CYP Now - The Big Debate: Is investing in youth work the key to tackling youth violence?

In a fresh drive to tackle youth violence, the government has pledged to create hubs in the most disadvantaged areas. Experts assess if a targeted programme is enough or whether more universal youth provision is needed.

Leigh Middleton: ‘When it’s such a widespread challenge, we need to be investing in bringing back our universal youth clubs’ - ASDF/Adobe Stock

The panel

Gail Gibbons, head of change, Youth Endowment Fund

A social worker by profession, Gail has worked for 20 years in mental health, young people, policy development and commissioning.

Gail previously ran Sheffield Futures, a charity providing specialist support and mentoring for young people in Sheffield.

Leigh Middleton, chief executive, National Youth Agency

Leigh is an experienced youth work and public sector leader having led the NYA for the past seven years and previously held senior positions in youth services at Surrey County Council.

He studied youth and community work at Reading University.

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