Youngsters share community action ideas with local MPs and Spurs legend

Young people from across Haringey have shared their ideas for community action with local MPs and a Spurs legend.

Tottenham Hotspur club ambassador Ledley King and local MPs David Lammy and Catherine West attended a panel event held at London Academy of Excellence. The group, aged 16-17, are taking part in a two-week programme with the National Citizens Service (NCS) and Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

NCS is a youth programme designed to build confidence and skills over the course of the school summer holidays as well as empower young people to play a more active role in their community.

Following an action-packed first week of outdoor activities including raft-building, dodgeball and other sports, the group got straight to work on making a positive difference in their community, coming up with a range of social action projects for their local area.

Ideas included a proposal for a community youth day to spread awareness of volunteering opportunities to support homeless charities locally, and a campaign to promote youth club facilities.

After pulling together their presentations they pitched their ideas to the panel. 

Speaking after judging, Ledley said: “It was fantastic to hear all of the ideas from young people who really care about making a difference in their local communities. The programme has clearly had a positive impact on all of those involved and I was impressed by the passion on display.”

Sarah Ebanja, chief executive of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “This programme is all about inspiring young people to build their confidence and public speaking skills, whilst exploring topics they feel strongly about. The presentations we heard today demonstrate just how enthusiastic these young people are about their communities.”

Tottenham MP David Lammy said: “It was a real inspiration to hear solutions for the issues in our community come from those who will shape its future. This programme has shown what happens when we put faith in our young people and was a fantastic opportunity to hear some inspirational speakers.”

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Catherine West said: “It was fantastic to meet young people from across Haringey and hear their ideas for our community. Programmes like this make such a difference to the lives of young people and I left feeling inspired at the enthusiasm and passion of our next generation, who’ve had such a tough time over the past few years.”

One of the participants said: “I’ve had an absolutely amazing time on the programme and have made a whole group of new friends. Although getting the chance to present our ideas to Ledley King and the local MPs was definitely the icing on the cake!”.