Policy & Practice: Soapbox - Local youth work needs effectiveregional support

In London, for example, a local emphasis on services for young people will cause logistical difficulties, as few young Londoners study, work and play in the same boroughs. It will also pose challenges for those organisations working across London - engaging with some or all of London's 33 children's trusts in a meaningful way will be, at best, complicated and time-consuming.

Effective, independent regional structures with accurate local knowledge - such as Partnership for Young London and regional youth work units - perform a valuable brokerage function for organisations. They provide information, guidance and support and build effective networks, enabling those working with young people to come together on a regional basis to share practice and ensure the voices of young people and the sector are represented in policy development.