Four clear policies to help Hackney's young people learn, create, and belong — developing culture, creativity, and a builder mindset for a fast-changing, technology-driven future.
01Learn AI the Right Way
Free Ethical AI Lessons
Policy: Young people should learn how to use AI safely, responsibly, and creatively — not be left to figure it out alone.
Deliver free AI lessons for young people in community hubs and partner venues
Teach responsible use of AI, online safety, misinformation awareness, and critical thinking
Show children how AI can support learning, creativity, and future jobs without replacing human judgment
Build separate age-appropriate lesson pathways for younger children and teenagers
Ensure the programme is welcoming and relevant for both boys and girls
Teach them the tools — and the judgment to use them well
Measured by
Free AI lessons available in every youth hub
100% of sessions include online safety and ethical AI guidance
Pre- and post-session confidence scores show improved understanding of safe AI use
02Safe Spaces to Grow
Youth Innovation Hub Guarantee
Policy: Every child in Hackney should have access to a safe, supervised place to learn, create, and belong.
Turn underused public spaces into local youth innovation hubs
Provide supervised after-school and weekend access for both boys and girls
Offer calm zones for quieter children and social zones for those who want friendship and group activities
Staff every hub with trained youth mentors and safeguarding standards
Make access affordable or free for Hackney families
A place to feel safe, build confidence, and grow
Measured by
At least 1 youth innovation hub launched in each key Hackney area
Minimum 70% of users reporting they feel safer and more connected
Clear safeguarding, attendance, and wellbeing reporting every quarter
03Build, Don't Just Browse
3D Printing & Maker Skills for Youth
Policy: Young people need hands-on opportunities to invent, design, and build real things.
Install 3D printer kiosks and practical maker stations in youth innovation hubs
Run beginner-friendly sessions in design, model making, and problem-solving
Encourage projects linked to culture, art, engineering, local pride, and everyday life
Offer team-based and individual options so both confident and quieter young people can take part
Showcase youth-made projects through local exhibitions and competitions
Less passive screen time — more building, making, and creating
Measured by
3D printing access introduced across designated hubs
Regular public showcases of youth-created work
Increased participation in hands-on skills programmes from both boys and girls
04Friendship, Confidence, Future
Belonging Through Innovation
Policy: Youth services should help children not only gain skills, but also confidence, identity, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Design hubs to support both socially anxious young people and those seeking community
Offer small-group workshops, creative clubs, mentoring circles, and peer-led activities
Blend technology, creativity, culture, and social connection in one place
Create pathways from hub participation into volunteering, mentoring, apprenticeships, and local leadership
Work with parents and community groups to build trust and long-term engagement
Preparing young people for the future means helping them feel they belong in it
Measured by
Increased repeat attendance across youth programmes
Measurable reduction in isolation and disengagement through user surveys
Youth mentoring and leadership pathways launched in every hub
Stronger community participation from families, schools, and local groups