Young Voices Leading Change: Insights from Reclaim the Night
At our recent Reclaim the Night youth engagement event, over 20 young people under 25 from across Lambeth came together to share their experiences of the borough after dark to inform our upcoming Night Time Strategy.
We heard from our Mayor about his experience at night. The group watched a film about Lambeth at night made by local ELEVATORs, a panel of young people shared their views, and the evening closed with two performances from local young talent: KENGO and Lauren-Grace Ogodo (Instagram handle: Laurengracee43). This vital discussion provided a platform to celebrate what they love about their community while also addressing key challenges -helping to shape a collective vision for a safer, more inclusive Lambeth.
What Young People Love About Lambeth
The group highlighted the spaces that bring them joy and connection. Skate parks, Pop Brixton, and late-night sports were praised as key hubs for staying active and socialising. Community centres and open mic nights were celebrated for offering safe spaces for creativity and self-expression, while discovering new food spots and attending social events were noted as ways young people engage with the borough’s rich culture. A lot of our young people choose to use the bus over the underground when getting around after 6pm. These elements align with our commitment to making Lambeth a borough where young people have access to meaningful opportunities and welcoming spaces.
Addressing Their Concerns
However, the conversation addressed challenges around the night time. Safety emerged as a key concern, with young people highlighting issues such as knife crime and poorly lit areas that make some parts of the borough feel unsafe at night. Environmental concerns, including litter and neglected public spaces, were also raised, alongside the need for more dedicated safe spaces and youth-led nightlife options.
Watch the Elevate video
A Commitment to a Safer, More Inclusive Future
Lambeth Council is committed to ensuring that young people feel safe, valued, and empowered within their community. As part of the Lambeth 2030 Plan, we are focused on creating a borough where everyone – especially the next generation – can access safe spaces, find opportunities for personal growth, and contribute to a thriving, inclusive community.
These insights from Reclaim the Night will help shape our new Night Time Strategy, reinforcing our commitment to designing policies and spaces that reflect the needs of young people.