Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture.

This report provides the Committee with an update relating to the portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People and Culture.

Consideration was given to the update of the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People & Culture.

Councillor Francis (Cabinet Member for Jobs, Young People & Culture) summarised the update paper which covered the following areas: young people’s participation in Youth Celebration Week; Youth Safety Steering Group and young ambassador feedback; and the successes in young people’s participation and engagement.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for the update and invited questions and comments from the Committee. The following was discussed:

·       A Member asked what events took place to celebrate LGBT History Month 2025, highlighting that LGBT young people were among the most targeted groups in society and had been affected by the first anti-LGBT law passed in the UK since the 1980s. The Member asked how Camden was supporting LGBT young people by fostering a sense of community and demonstrating the possibilities of adult life. The Cabinet Member stated that Camden shared LGBT History Month programming with Islington. The month started with a launch event, and an event was scheduled featuring a panel discussion on LGBT progress where a young panellist from the Camden Young Foundation would be speaking alongside older panellists. Information on events had been available on the Love Camden Culture site. The Cabinet Member noted efforts to attend as many events as possible and stated that Camden aimed to expand its programmes, though budget and time constraints remained a challenge. There were plans to make the lecture an annual event, bringing in speakers to inspire young people and older residents by showcasing positive LGBT adult experiences.

·       A Member welcomed the broader and more positive framing of Youth Celebration Week while recognising that youth safety remained central. They asked whether young people at the event had shared their views on safety in Camden, particularly in light of increasing drug-related antisocial behaviour and crime over the past year. The Cabinet Member acknowledged these concerns and noted that young people often had personal connections to others involved in such activities. They stated that perceptions of safety varied significantly depending on location and individual experiences. Some young people had raised safety concerns during Youth Mission discussions, and youth workers had reported that some young people felt unable to attend certain youth clubs. Measures such as arranging group travel or support to attend clubs were being explored. The Cabinet Member emphasised that youth safety remained a key workstream, particularly in tackling the exploitation that often led young people into crime. Work with the police continued to address these issues and improve feelings of safety. Officers outlined ongoing council work on violence against women and girls, including education in schools on gender-related issues and positive masculinity. The Council had also engaged with domestic abuse survivors to improve services. A strategy was being developed in collaboration with partners, with an update expected later in the year.

·       A Member expressed their ongoing support for Camden Summer University and asked about the attendance of less advantaged groups. The Cabinet Member explained that priority was given to these young people through targeted advertising. Young people in care and those with a youth worker were given a two-week head start to sign up for activities. Efforts were made to promote the initiative in spaces where these young people were most likely to engage, recognising that some had families who encouraged participation, while others did not receive the same support. The early access aimed to ensure that all young people had the opportunity to take part.

The Committee noted the update.