More young Londoners will have the chance to explore, engage with, and enjoy the creative arts thanks to £400,000 of funding made available by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, who have fully funded London Youth’s Young Creators Programme in the City of Westminster until 2030. 

The Sir Simon Milton Young Creators Programme, Westminster, will offer over 600 young Londoners the opportunity to try their hand at new art forms through taster days, undertake creative arts projects alongside professional artists and gain insight into creative careers through unique industry experiences. 

Pauline Daniyan, Chief Executive of London Youth said: “London Youth is absolutely delighted to have secured this generous funding from The Sir Simon Milton Foundation. It enables our member organisations in Westminster to confidently run a range of enriching creative activities that meet the needs of young people which are free, locally delivered, and inclusive.

“London’s children and young people matter. We believe their voice matters and they deserve every chance to make the most of their lives. Young Creators provides them with a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, follow their passions, and explore their identity and communities.”

A 2024 report showed that 78% of Westminster’s young people felt mental health was an issue, with 52% feeling it was ‘somewhat common’ and 26% feeling it was ‘very common’ while 50% of those surveyed felt worried or stressed*. The report also showed that pressures from the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have heightened many young people’s sense of vulnerability and fears for their future. 

Engaging in creative arts offers numerous health benefits, including positively impacting both mental and physical well-being, as well as helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and boost self-esteem.

Young Creators delivers real impact. It increases confidence, improves life skills, builds knowledge of the arts as an engagement tool and a form of expression, and opens up employability opportunities. 

David Shaw, Chair of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation said: “The Sir Simon Milton Young Creators Programme, Westminster is a focused partnership with London Youth which we are delighted to support. There is a great need in Westminster for productive and enjoyable activity out of school for young people. This initiative is wholly in line with our charity’s objectives.”

Creative arts encompass a broad range of artistic expressions, including visual arts, performing arts, music, design, and media. For every £1 invested in the creative arts, £2.23 is generated. The creative arts contribute £128bn to the UK economy, with research showing 2.4m people were employed in the creative arts in 2022. 

Robert Davis MBE DL, Deputy Chairman of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, and Sir Simon’s widower, adds: “Sir Simon Milton was an exceptional Leader of Westminster Council and a distinguished Deputy Mayor of London, widely respected, admired, and warmly regarded across the political spectrum. Following his sudden and untimely passing in 2011, the Foundation was established to carry forward his inspiring legacy - particularly his dedication to supporting young people and combating loneliness and isolation among older members of the community. 

Throughout his political career, Simon placed great importance on mentoring, training, and empowering young people. With his personal passion for culture and the arts, the Foundation is proud to honour his vision by supporting the Young Creators Programme in his name. Delivered through Westminster’s youth clubs - many of which Simon personally championed – the programme continues the vital work he cared so deeply about.”

London Youth regularly surveys and assesses the needs of its 600 member youth organisations, many of which consistently request arts sessions. The Sir Simon Milton Young Creators Programme, Westminster, will enable community youth organisations to play to their strengths, developing young people’s social and emotional skills and supporting them to engage with creative activities to build confidence, improve their mental health, and discover a range of new creative art forms and industries. 

An awards ceremony will be held in Westminster to showcase the participants’ work at the end of every year.