In their first policy decision since forming a coalition to run the council, Southwark Greens’ Executive Member for Education and Care, Cllr Rebecca Corn, has cut Labour’s flagship children’s mental health service – The Nest.
Southwark Labour had committed to continuing the service had they formed the new administration.
The Nest was launched in 2020 by Labour-run Southwark, following a surge in mental health service demand during the pandemic. It was then expanded in 2021 with £200,000 investment from the then Labour administration due to high demand, with a further expansion of one-to-one support on evenings and weekends at the end of 2025.
The service has supported almost 2,000 children and young people since 2022 and in just three months in 2025 The Nest supported 138 children and young people. When The Nest first opened, 98% of children using the service were of global majority background.
In February, Southwark Labour passed a no cuts, all investment budget, which set the council’s budget through to February 2027. Any cuts made now are the choice of the new Green-Lib Dem administration, additional to Southwark Labour’s 2026 budget.
Responding to the news, Cllr Jasmine Ali, Southwark Labour’s Shadow Member for Education, Care & Refugees, said:
“The Green-Lib Dem Coalition have lost no time slashing Labour’s services for some of the most vulnerable children in Southwark.
Cutting The NEST will let down an entire generation of children in dire need of support with their mental health.
Labour established this service to meet the devastating demand for mental health support during the pandemic. This demand remains, which is why Labour would have re-commissioned the service.
Cllr Rebecca Corn and the rest of the Green-Lib Dem coalition should reverse this shameful cut immediately.
I will fight this cruelty with all my heart.”
