WORKING TOGETHER
FOR YOUNG LONDONERS
SINCE 2025
At Youth Active, we’re more than just a youth club we’re a community dedicated to empowering young people across Newham to unlock their potential, build confidence, and make positive life choices.
It is a fundamental human right that young people have access to sport, arts and cultural activity as part of their mental, physical and emotional health, wellbeing and development.
When this right is denied, the disadvantage and disaffection can lead to antisocial behaviour, gang related activity and in some cases extremism. This impacts on the quality of life — not only of the young person, but their victims, families, friends, communities, and society as a whole.
Our Story
Youth Active was born out of a pressing need for dedicated youth provision in Newham. We believe that outside of formal education, young people need a "third space" somewhere they can be themselves, take risks, and find trusted adult mentors.
From our humble beginnings with a single sports session, we have grown into a multi-disciplinary hub offering everything from digital literacy to mental health support.
The Challenge in Newham
Local data that drives everything we do.
Concerned about personal safety
To support the Council's whole-system approach, our program targets the root causes of violence, ensuring that the 9% statistic becomes a reflection of the past.
Anxiety over cost of living
19% worried about finding work · 5% struggle to access apprenticeships.
Youth Empowerment Service
Created for ages 10–18 due to high exploitation risk and the negative impact of poor-quality temporary accommodation.
Foundation — gang involvement
youth violence in Newham requires more than just enforcement; it requires the targeted support of Rise and the expansion of positive local youth programs to give our young people better alternatives.
Mental health & trauma
Concerns around mental health, trauma and abuse are rising across Newham's young people.
Whole System Approach
Newham Council leads a team effort across the borough to tackle safety issues, and our youth centre is proud to be part of that mission.
Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every young person feels supported, inspired, and connected. Whether it’s through sports, creative arts, or personal development workshops, our aim is to help children and teens thrive both inside and outside of school.
We understand the challenges today’s young people in Newham face — 16% report concerns about personal safety, with 9% citing knife crime specifically. Economic anxiety is widespread: 26% struggle with the cost of living and nearly 1 in 5 worry about finding work. That’s why our Evening Youth Programme is designed to create safe, structured alternatives during high-risk hours.
Our sessions provide a safe space where young people can build friendships, develop new skills, and take part in structured, fun activities that promote wellbeing and confidence.
Evening Youth Programme
Running five nights a week, including:
- Sports and fitness classes
- Creative arts and music workshops
- Coding and digital skills sessions
- Leadership and personal development training
- Cultural and community experiences