Tower Hamlets’ Youth Service (Young Tower Hamlets) has launched two new youth centres, The Reach Youth Centre (Poplar ward) and Samuda Youth Centre (Blackwall and Cubit Town ward).
The launch of these two centres took place on Friday 21 February, and Monday 24 February, and was celebrated by young people, families, support workers, Deputy Mayor Maium Talukdar and Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman.
The two new centres bring the network of safe spaces for young people in Tower Hamlets up to 18, bringing the borough closer to its goal of having a youth centre in each of its 20 wards.
This initiative is part of the council’s £13.7 million investment into youth services, which aims to provide young people with better access to resources and opportunities to feel empowered and learn.
Executive Mayor or Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
“Tower Hamlets has the youngest population in the country, which is why our £13.7million investment to provide opportunities and empower our young people is so important.
“I’m extremely pleased to see so many young people enjoying all the facilities and making the most out of the opportunities at these youth centres. I want every young person in Tower Hamlets to have access to a safe space in every single ward, and I’m proud that we are just two youth centres away from reaching that goal of 20 youth centres.
“Having 18 youth centres in one borough is a significant achievement, and we remain committed to investing in our young people and providing them the best opportunities.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see the 17th and 18th youth centres opening their doors in Tower Hamlets. As a young person who grew up in the borough, and worked as a youth worker, I know firsthand just how important spaces like these are for our youth.
“I have fond memories of attending Samuda Youth over 35 years ago, and I am delighted that today’s young people have access to even better facilities, equipment, and opportunities for them to be the best they can.”
Posted on Monday 3rd March 2025