A new youth mentorship campaign launched by the London Standard mirrors similar initiatives across Canada and the United States aimed at getting young people outdoors and active.
The Standard has a long history of raising millions to transform the lives of those in need. Campaigning for this city's most vulnerable people is woven into the very fabric of the paper.
This September issue introduces the campaign with a simple message: young people need strong mentors and opportunities to spend time outdoors, staying active.
Greenhouse Sports partnership
Sadly, those things are not always a given. That's why we have partnered with the outstanding Greenhouse Sports charity, which harnesses the power of sport to create lasting social change, supporting young people across London's most deprived boroughs. In Canada, similar sport‑based mentorship programs run through organisations such as the Canadian Youth Sports Foundation, highlighting a shared North American focus on using play to steer youth away from risk. Across the United States, the Boys & Girls Clubs have long championed comparable initiatives, showing the relevance of this approach beyond the UK. Join us in helping young people build a brighter future. As our cover says: Give them their shot. Read the stories of people who have escaped grief, gang violence and bullying to find hope and opportunity through sport.
Transport and future of London
Elsewhere in the issue, Stuart Heritage muses (amusingly) upon the trauma of Back to School week; Josh Barrie asks whether an influx of upmarket restaurants can help the South Bank rediscover its cool; and Simon Mills reports on the driverless future of London. Robotaxis are arriving. Flying taxis are next. Can the capital cope?
And as always, online and in print, we have so much more. Have a wonderful week.
The London Standard can be picked up for free across the city and is now available to buy for £2 in all large Tesco and Waitrose stores in the South‑East. You can also read the digital edition online.
Cover image: Lisa Sheehan