Unitas Youth Zone’s impact on Barnet and surrounding communities has been validated by groundbreaking research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). The study reveals the far-reaching consequences of youth club closures across London, underlining the critical need for spaces like Unitas in preventing crime and fostering educational success.
According to the IFS, closures of youth clubs during the 2010s have led to stark increases in teen crime and declines in academic performance. Young people deprived of safe spaces like Unitas were 14% more likely to engage in criminal activity and saw their GCSE scores fall significantly, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds particularly affected. These outcomes highlight youth clubs as not just recreational hubs but vital support systems that provide mentorship, educational resources, and a structured environment.
Robin Moss, Chief Executive of Unitas, emphasises, “This research confirms what we see every day at Unitas. We offer more than activities; we provide stability and guidance that can shape futures. Every pound invested in youth services returns threefold in societal benefits.”
Unitas Youth Zone serves over 3,000 young people annually, offering more than 20 activities each session, from sports to creative arts, with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth. As local councils face ongoing financial pressures, this research underscores the long-term societal and economic costs of cutting youth services. For every youth club that closes, the community not only loses a safe haven for its youth but faces increased burdens on the criminal justice system and reduced future earnings for affected individuals.
By investing in Unitas, we safeguard our young people’s potential and ensure a brighter, safer future for Barnet and the surrounding areas. This research makes it clear: Youth Zones like Unitas aren’t optional—they’re essential. To read to the full report, click HERE.
If you would like more information on how you can can support Unitas contact comms@unitasyouthzone.org
