Cuts: Islington's African-Caribbean youngsters ‘need help from elders’ – Link up Project calls for support

Published: 11 March, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

ISLINGTON’S African-Caribbean community have been warned they must “rally round” and support young people in the face of unprecedented financial cuts.

Desmond Riley, from Islington’s Link up Project, said many youngsters will struggle to find work and those starting out in careers, particularly in health and welfare, will be on the “frontline” of the cuts and face losing their jobs.

Speaking at his office in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway, Mr Riley called for volunteers from the African-Caribbean community, including elders, to provide support and offer themselves as “role models”.

He said: “Teachers, carpenters, shop keepers and trades people can all inspire young people. They can volunteer for a few hours a week to talk about what they do.

“It’s also time for the celebrities in the community, the footballers and entertainers, to step forward and offer their support and guidance to the young.”

Mr Riley welcomed, however, a call from Islington Council leader Catherine West in last week’s Tribune for construction firms to start hiring local labour.

“This is something I have campaigned  for over many years,” he said. “I’ve always felt it a scandal that builders are ‘imported’ when there are so many local people who could do the job.”

Mr Riley warned that with unem­ployment starting to rise, young people from the African-Caribbean community would be among those hardest hit. 

“This is the time that our young people desperately need our help,” he said. 

“Older members of the community – who have lived through similar downturns in the economy – can offer their experience and support.”

Mr Riley’s call for action has been supported by Labour’s Claudia Webbe, the Bunhill ward councillor and chairwoman of Operation Trident, which campaigns against gun crime in the African-Caribbean community.

She accused Islington’s previous Lib Dem council of decimating educational services like after-school and Saturday clubs when they were in power.

“Our group is putting aside more than £1million, which we hope will address some gaps in services for the young.

“I support Desmond’s call to people in the community to rally around and help. 

“Older and more experienced people  can help provide a safety net. 

“Poor communities in the borough, in which African-Caribbeans are over-represented, are more likely to suffer the worst of the government cuts.”

• Desmond Riley can be contacted by emailing Islington linkup@hotmail.co.uk or by calling 020 7607 3197.