A new £1.2 million scheme funding 200 youth workers is telling children faced by knife crime how to de-escalate “fight-or-flight” situations on London streets.
Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the boost to his Violence Reduction Unit aiming to educate those aged 10 to 18 on leadership skills and conflict management.
The Rise Up programme, delivered by London Youth, adds to the already 270 youth workers in nearly every London borough.
So far, nine in ten participants said they felt better equipped after role play around “fight, flight or freeze” trauma scenarios.
One youngster said: “I have been able to remain calm when conflict occurs and focus on asking questions. I have been able to listen better.”
Elianne Andam, 15, stabbed to death as she made her way to school in Croydon is one of 19 teenagers killed in 2023.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and will face trial on April 29.
Rapper Stormzy attended a candle-lit vigil held outside the Whitgift shopping centre a week after her death.
On Wednesday, London’s VRU brought together local authorities, MPs and community groups for a Youth Work Matters event at the Black Prince Trust in Lambeth.
Former Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield chaired a panel to demonstrate the vital work being done to drive down violence in the capital at a time when many public services face financial pressure.
Mr Khan said: “Tackling violence and building a safer London for everyone is my top priority as mayor.
“This has been made harder by Government austerity, which has resulted in 730 fewer youth workers and more than 130 youth centres close over the last decade.
“I’m determined to continue being tough on violence and tough on its complex causes.
“With this approach, violent crime in London has been falling since 2016, but there is still a long way to go.
“We know the importance of youth work in supporting young Londoners and driving down violent crime, which is why my Violence Reduction Unit is investing even more to support and develop youth workers to help divert young people away from violence and towards opportunity and employment.”
Lib Peck, director of London’s VRU, added: “Youth work plays such a central role in the community fabric that supports young people.
“It’s why the VRU continues to champion, support and invest in the life-changing impact that youth work has in our communities. We’re committed to investing in youth work in all places and spaces, but it’s vital we also fund the development of leaders through our Rise Up programme who can better support young people to tackle the many challenges facing them today.
“Our Youth Work Matters event shines a light on the breadth of youth work impacting right across our city and is an opportunity for us to pledge to work together to do everything we can to promote and support it.”
Mrs Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives, said: “Youth work has a crucial part to play in protecting young people from harm and divert them away from those who wish to exploit them.
“The national cuts to youth services budgets over the last decade were counterproductive and short-sighted. Expanding youth work, particularly in areas of the country where young people are most at risk of involvement in serious violence, must be part of the drive to keep vulnerable children safe, and I welcome this addition investment.”
