Simon Jenkins’ article on the value of youth centres is much needed and long overdue (Youth centres may seem tame fare for politicians. But I’ve seen firsthand how they cut crime”, 25 April). In addition to his emphasis on how they can help steer young people away from crime and violence, their wider societal benefits also need to be highlighted.
Research published by UK Youth in 2022, for example, concluded that by also improving health (including mental health) and opening up employment and educational opportunities, youth work in England has a “direct economic value” of £5.7bn and an indirect value of at least £3.2bn. And that is before we begin to take into account the informal educational opportunities they open up, plus the chance for young people to discover talents that they may not know they have, or lack the confidence to try out.
Bernard Davies
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
