Southwark tops rankings for young people

Young people living in Southwark are more likely to be in work, education or training than other areas in the capital, with new figures establishing the London borough as a highly positive location for 16 to 19-year-olds to live.

According to research published by careers specialists Connexions, just 6.3 per cent of those in the age category are classed as NEETS (Not in Employment, Education or Training), the lowest proportion out of the eight Central London boroughs.

The area also claims to have the highest percentage of young people in learning, with 87.8 per cent of 16 to 19-year-olds currently in some form of education - a remarkable achievement considering the troubling economic climate.

Councillors also highlighted that Southwark can also boast to have the smallest number of 'not knowns', or young people who are not on the system and need to be helped in order to re-engage with general society.

Dora Dixon-Fyle, cabinet member for children’s services, was understandably delighted with the news and took the opportunity to highlight some of the many varied and exotic opportunities on offer for young residents of Southwark.

"I am thrilled that evidence appears to show our commitment to helping young people achieve their potential in work and education seems to be paying off," she said.

"Our £3 million Youth Fund has already created our very successful scholarship programme to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attend university, our growing employment training scheme and our education maintenance grants which help young people stay in school."

Ms Dixon-Fyle also emphasised a recent commitment from the council to extend its Youth Fund and develop its Mind Your Own Business campaign, which will see youths managing their own companies.

It is hoped that continued investment into young people of the area will safeguard their futures and ensure they have the opportunities available to succeed in life.

Published 11th March, 2013

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