London’s VRU is committed to supporting families affected by violence or at risk of exploitation. Its network of 20,000 parents and carers covers nearly every borough. The network helps them navigate the criminal justice and education system and to better support children online.

Its targeted Strengthening Fathers programme enhances father-child relationships. It supports absent fathers to reconnect with their children. In particular, young fathers and those involved in probation and social care services.

The programme equips fathers with the skills and support to:

• strengthen family relationships
• improve co-parenting dynamics
• be positive role models.

We know that children and young people should be in school. It’s where our young people learn, but it’s also where they’re safe.

New research finds that teenagers permanently excluded from school are twice as likely to commit serious violence within a year of being excluded.

That’s why the VRU developed London’s Inclusion Charter – to tackle rising suspensions, persistent absenteeism and exclusions.

The Inclusion Charter was shaped by young people, teachers, parents and carers, and local authorities. The VRU supports them to use the Charter to guide how their policies and practice. 

Evidence shows that violence affecting young people is most likely to happen after-school. So, it’s important for young people to opportunities out of school hours. Access to activities can keep them safe, away from crime and learn skills to help them thrive in adulthood.

The VRU’s Stronger Futures programme aims to do exactly that. It funds organisations to run after-school programmes for young people who are at-risk of violence and exploitation.

The VRU has already invested in 18 targeted projects across London, supporting 3,000 young people. See what’s happening in your area.

In hospitals

A traumatic or near-death experience is stark reminder of the dangers that come along with crime. Research describes it as a ‘teachable moment’, where young people are more likely to think about making big lifestyle changes.

The VRU is investing £7.8m to embed youth workers into hospitals across London. They are in the A&E units and major trauma centres with most young victims of violence.

These youth workers support young victims to:

• re-build a life beyond crime
• reduce their exposure and involvement in violence
• ensure they are never back on the hospital bed.

Read more in the Hospital-based youth work evaluation.

In custody

A run in with the criminal justice system is another critical turning point in a young person’s life. It’s a reminder of how crime has consequences that can result in time spent behind bars.

That’s why independent and confidential youth workers (who are not police officers or prison wardens) are needed to support young people in custody. To divert them away from crime and into education, training and employment.

Since 2015, the VRU’s DIVERT programme has provided 18-25 year olds held in a Brixton custody suite with a youth worker. They are there to help young people forge a better path.

Thanks to the Mayor’s funding, the DIVERT programme now runs across London.

Sports have positive benefits for everyone’s mental and physical health. They are a fantastic way to engage at risk-young people. Sports help them put their energy into activities that are good for them and away from those that are bad.

The VRU is partnering with the Mayor’s Sports Team to invest £2m in sports projects. These support young people away from crime and violence. The funding also supports young people with food and travel costs to the sports activities. This helps reduce barriers, so more young people can take part.

The VRU also creates pathways for young people and organisations supporting young people into sport. This includes:

• a year-long Sports Leadership Academy for 100 young Londoners from underserved communities
• paid internships with top organisations like England Netball, Women in Sport and GB Snowsport for those breaking into the sports industry
• coordinating an expert steering group for organisations using sport to keep young people safe from violence.

Communities know their area and its challenges better than anyone.

Evidence shows that a community-led approach is the most effective way to prevent violence.

The Mayor’s award-winning ‘MyEnds’ programme provides communities with the resources to deliver their own prevention measures. This includes:

• support networks for parents and carers
• after-school activities in sport, music, drama and more
• vital youth work and youth clubs.

Mentoring opportunities can look like:

• one-to-one sessions
• group classes in schools and youth clubs
• online engagement.

The sessions are changed to suit the needs and interests of young people. They focus on subjects like music, sport, creative arts, education and careers.

Introducing this trusted relationship to a young person’s life can help make a positive change in lots of ways.

Mentoring is already helping thousands of young Londoners to:

• build their confidence and skills
• develop ways to better cope with setbacks
• meet new people with access to different social networks
• make better informed choices
• boost their mental health
• improve relationships with family
• find paths into training and employment.

With the Mayor's New Deal for Young People, we're making sure there are more quality opportunities for young people now – and the future.