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Sector Context & Thinking

INSIGHTS &
EVIDENCE

The evidence base for what we do — and why a new model of school-community coordination is overdue.

The Numbers

THE DATA
BEHIND THE NEED

0%+
Decline in youth service funding in England since 2010. Source: Youth Futures Foundation.
£0m
Removed from London youth service budgets over the past decade. Source: London City Hall.
0+
Youth centres closed across the capital. Source: YUAF.
0:1
Return on investment from youth engagement programmes in London. Source: Mayor's Fund for London.
Context & Evidence

SECTOR
CONTEXT

Decline of Youth Services

A Perfect Storm: Why London's Youth Sector Needs a New Model

Over a decade of austerity has systematically defunded the infrastructure that once kept young people safe and aspirational. This piece unpacks what's been lost, where the gaps are, and why coordination — not more funding alone — is the answer.

The C.A.N. CIC · 2025
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South London school
Youth mental health
Mental Health
THE SILENT CRISIS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

One in five young people now meets the threshold for a probable mental health disorder. What schools are facing — and why early intervention matters more than ever.

The C.A.N. CIC · 2025
Young people community
Inequality
POSTCODE SHOULDN'T DETERMINE POTENTIAL

Students in lower-income South London boroughs face compounding disadvantage. How enrichment programmes level the field — and why access is patchy.

The C.A.N. CIC · 2025
Early intervention
Early Intervention
PREVENTION IS CHEAPER THAN CRISIS

The evidence consistently shows that preventative youth programmes improve outcomes across mental wellbeing, school engagement, behaviour and long-term aspiration.

The C.A.N. CIC · 2025
Youth practitioners
The C.A.N. Model
WHY COORDINATION BEATS COMPETITION

Small youth organisations are highly effective but lack school access. Schools need support but struggle to commission. Funders want governance. Here's how we fix all three at once.

The C.A.N. CIC · 2025
Evidence Sources

THE RESEARCH
BEHIND OUR CASE

70%+ decline in youth service funding since 2010
Youth Futures Foundation
£240m removed from London youth budgets; 130+ centres closed
London City Hall
1 in 5 children and young people have a probable mental health disorder
Hansard / NHS England
3:1 return on investment from youth engagement programmes in London
Mayor's Fund for London
Teenagers affected by youth club closures perform 4% worse in exams and are 14% more likely to enter the criminal justice system
YUAF

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