Youth

Alarming new figures have revealed that 11,000 children are living in severe poverty in Brent, and 7,000 in Harrow - which can include going without food, clothing or heating. TARA BRADY reports.

THE FOUNDERS of a childrens’ playcentre that is facing closure have been named in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list. Douglas and Glynis Lee have been awarded an MBE for their services to the community which includes them taking care of hundreds of children in and around the Stonebridge area in the last 30 years. The pair established Brent Play Association which runs Stonebridge Adventure Playground in Shakespeare Crescent, Stonebridge.

A GROUP has been set up by Brent Council to investigate gangs in the borough.

The group, which has cross party support, will look at how and why young people get involved in gangs, what can be done about the issue and how to divert people away from joining one.

The investigation will also look at the Americanisation of Brent gangs where groups are linked with colours, the exploitation and violence towards women and the role of the media and internet.

A COMMUNITY boxing club under threat of closure could put dozens of young people back on the streets with nothing to do, writes Glenn McMahon.

Not-for-profit Stonebridge Boxing Club, in Winchelsea Road, Stonebridge, officially opened in January to provide an affordable place to train and box.

But the low fees and lack of sponsors have left management struggling to cover the running costs.

Young volunteers were on hand at IKEA in Wembley to pump up shoppers’ car tyres as part of Operation Pump It Up. The nine 16 to 18 year olds are members of the volunteer group 'Impact – Making A Difference To Our Environment' and have been volunteering in their free time since the summer with environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London to raise awareness of climate change and the importance of sustainable living.