Lewisham’s Young Mayor unveils budget plans
The Hub aims to give young residents the confidence, skills and support they need to start their own businesses.
Lewisham’s Young Mayor Programme has been running since 2004 and is recognised nationally as one of the strongest models of youth participation in local government. Each year, young people across Lewisham elect a Young Mayor who represents their views, helps shape Council policy, and manages a dedicated budget to support projects that benefit young people.
The programme gives young people aged 11 to 17 years a direct role in democracy. They meet councillors, influence decisions on services, and work with the Council’s Mayor and Cabinet. It is designed to ensure young people have a real say in how their borough is run.
In February 2025, Shane Grant was elected as Lewisham’s 20th Young Mayor, in an election that saw the highest turnout ever, with 9,916 ballots cast, representing 61.95% of eligible young voters. He was supported by Deputy Young Mayor Jimaine Lee and the borough’s team of Young Advisors. Despite his tenure ending, it is customary for the Young Mayor to present their budget plans to Mayor and Cabinet.
Over the year he was in office, Shane, Jimaine and the Young Advisors have contributed to a wide range of council projects spanning youth justice, climate action, public health, and local regeneration, while also supporting initiatives started by previous Young Mayors.
Through ongoing meetings, school visits, workshops and a borough-wide Youth Summit, young people highlighted several shared priorities, including:
- more youth spaces and activities
- clearer pathways into jobs and business
- support with the cost of living
- action on climate change
- mental health support
- opportunities for young people with SEND
- safety in the community
- challenging prejudice and promoting equality
Shane said that one theme consistently stood out across conversations - young people want more support to learn about enterprise and create their own opportunities.
To respond to this need, Shane has chosen to focus the entire £25,000 Young Mayor’s Budget on establishing the Lewisham Youth Enterprise Hub, a project designed for young people aged 14 to 21 years, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities.
The Hub will help young people turn ideas into real businesses through:
- Dragon’s Den-style pitch events: young people will pitch their ideas to a panel of peers and local business leaders. Winners receive start-up grants and tailored support
- start‑up grants (£500 to £2,000): a portion of the Young Mayor’s Budget will fund micro‑grants, with additional sponsorship sought from local businesses
- a mentoring programme: monthly workshops and ongoing one‑to‑one support from experienced entrepreneurs, covering topics such as marketing, finance and planning
- a youth-friendly co‑working space: a dedicated space with Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and business support, allowing young people to collaborate and develop ideas
- long-term sustainability: the Enterprise Hub will be embedded within the newly redesigned Youth Service, ensuring the programme continues beyond this year and becomes part of Lewisham’s wider youth strategy
The initiative also provides a pathway into enterprise for teenagers who may not otherwise have access to workspace, mentors or funding.
With youth employment and the rising cost of living affecting many families, the Enterprise Hub aims to open doors for young people who want to create their own opportunities and contribute to Lewisham’s economy.
The Council’s Mayor and Cabinet accepted the Annual Report and budget proposals at their meeting last night (Wednesday 25 February 2026.) The Young Mayor and Young Advisors will report on their progress throughout the year to School Councils, youth forums, the Mayor and Cabinet, and via social media channels.
Previous Young Mayors in Lewisham have used their budgets to create a wide range of projects that give young people positive activities, support and opportunities across the borough. Bilvilyn Asamoah, for example, funded free community events such as basketball tournaments and roller‑skating sessions, helping young people socialise safely.
She also launched the successful Young Mayor TikTok channel, which continues to be used to share updates and amplify youth voices. Her budget supported Urban Synergy to offer mentoring, career visits and skills‑building programmes for young people, including trips to places like the London Stock Exchange.
Other former Young Mayors focused on inclusion, wellbeing and longer‑term support. Jentai Gen‑one expanded sports and cultural activities, including helping develop Radio Lewisham, a youth‑led station that gives young people training and a platform for their voices.
Rosanna Campbell invested in anti‑racism and human‑rights work in schools, including peer‑training programmes and the now‑annual Great Lewisham Debate. Femi Komolafe introduced the Bank of Things, which provides free toiletries, school supplies and everyday essentials for young residents, an initiative that continues to grow through pop‑ups and Family Hubs. These projects reflect the ongoing commitment of Young Mayors to equality, aspiration and improving day‑to‑day life for Lewisham’s young people.
The Young Mayor for 2026-27 is Tyrese Gale and the Deputy Young Mayor is Izzy McDonald.
Find out more about the Young Mayor programme and how to get involved.