The Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit has invested £200,000 to help deliver sporting activities for young people over the Easter holidays. 

The funding will help up 1,000 young people in the capital in areas experiencing higher levels of violence and deprivation to give these children exciting activities during the break from school. 

Alongside London Youth, the Violence Reduction Unit have helped to fund 100 grassroots community organisations across 13 boroughs to help provide these activities, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence sessions by Inspirational Youth Ltd in Lambeth, judo sessions through the Avenues Youth Project in Westminster, and community tennis delivering opportunities in Brent. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "Tackling violence and building a safer city for all Londoners is my number one priority.  

"My approach is to be tough on violence and tough on the complex causes of violence. 

"I'm committed to providing positive opportunities for young people and investment from my VRU means there be will sports activities during the Easter holidays and support to ensure there are no barriers to children and young people's involvement.  

"I know from experience the vital role sport can play in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and I'm determined to do everything I can to support young people so they can take full advantage of these benefits." 

This adds to the work being done by London Youth to provide support for nearly 60 grassroots organisations providing sport and physical activities to around 1,500 children during the summer holidays. 

Lib Peck, Director of London's Violence Reduction Unit, said: "A key part of our prevention approach to violence is investing in positive opportunities for children and young people. 

"Sports activities can play a leading role in a young person's life and as a Violence Reduction Unit, our focus is not only funding those important interventions but also ensuring we're supporting young people so they can fully access them. 

"We know the cost-of-living is having an impact on our communities and that's why we're also investing in our grassroots community organisations, who play such a key role in the fabric of our neighbourhoods, so they can support young people to thrive both during the holidays and beyond."