The Earl of Wessex visits Lift youth hub to meet the staff who work tirelessly to support Islington’s young people through their comprehensive services

Young people and staff at Islington’s Lift youth hub had a royal surprise recently when HRH the Earl of Wessex dropped by.

After being greeted by Mayor of Islington Cllr Troy Gallagher, His Royal Highness took a tour of the youth hub in White Lion Street, Angel, meeting some of the council’s fantastic youth workers, who work tirelessly to ensure that young people in the borough have the best services. HRH was also introduced to young people who have benefited from the facilities, which include everything from a dance studio to employment and education support services.

The Earl also met with Islington parents’ support group Love and Loss, whose powerful film about the impact of knife crime on families is being shown in Islington secondary schools to educate pupils and discourage them from carrying knives.

“It was such an honour to welcome the Earl of Wessex to Islington and be given the opportunity to show him some of the fantastic work that goes on at Lift youth hub, to give our young people the best start in life,” says Cllr Michelline Ngongo, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families. “We have consistently invested in youth services while many other councils have cut back, and His Royal Highness got a real insight into the importance and effectiveness of the work we do at Lift and our other youth hubs, our outreach teams, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, our targeted youth services and early intervention work.

“It was important also for him to meet the parents of the Love and Loss support group and see the short film they have made, which is being shown in supportive settings in secondary schools to encourage young people to consider the devastating consequences of picking up a knife.”

The services Islington Council provides to young people also include education, careers advice and guidance, safeguarding and recreation. Check out the council’s directory for more information on what’s on offer at Islington’s youth hubs.