Boris Johnson today told how he wants to encourage "self-reliance and discipline" in troubled teenagers across the capital by encouraging them to join the cadets, Scouts and Guides.
The Mayor, who was in the cadets in his youth, wants to set up nearly 40 new uniformed groups over the next three years and said he will pump £1.3million into the project.
One cadet told how she was saved from a life of crime and now hopes to become a special constable.
The Mayor said that by the end of 2014, he wants to recruit 1,000 volunteers to the scheme, which will enable 8,000 young people on waiting lists to join uniformed groups. The initiative is part of Team London, the Mayor's attempt to recruit thousands of volunteers for programmes that he hopes will reduce crime and boost quality of life across the capital. Mr Johnson said: "Uniformed groups are a fantastic way for youngsters to get involved in a myriad of activities which will help equip them with the skills they need to succeed in life."
Speaking at the Merton Sea Cadets Centre in south London, the Mayor added: "It's a modern tragedy that so many of our young people are struggling to get a foothold in the jobs market and are drifting into crime. By instilling self-reliance, discipline and a sense of competition, young people can aspire to a better future."
Karolina Falkiewicz, 18, who moved to London from Poland with her mother and siblings six years ago, is applying to join the Met. She said: "I hung around the wrong crowd when I was a bit younger. I started bunking off school and fighting. The cadets have saved me and encouraged me to stay out of trouble and achieve things instead of being on the streets."
Miss Falkiewicz added: "I want to help the community and make my family feel safe. As a police officer I would be able to help young people, to try to persuade them to help others. I want to give something back to the community."
