£10m programme to deliver therapeutic support for 2,500 young people at greatest risk of violence

Specialist frontline youth workers working across the capital’s children’s services are now delivering CBT interventions aimed at helping young people manage challenges in their lives including involvement in gangs and violent crime.

The Your Choice programme is delivered by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and funded by a £10m grant from the Home Office and the Youth Endowment Fund.

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The three year programme offers intensive, therapeutic support for young people aged 11 to 17 who are at most risk of being affected by violence or exploitation. 

The scheme will be managed by London boroughs through the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA) on behalf of the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services.

Up to 2,500 young Londoners will be referred to the programme by children’s services, according to the VRU.

Director of London’s VRU, Lib Peck, said: “We know the support that our youth workers give a young person can be life-changing and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to secure funding to support them to deliver specialised, targeted support for the young people in our city who need it most.

“The Your Choice programme demonstrates our commitment to working with partners across London to help promote and connect young people with support and positive opportunities to help them realise and fulfil their potential.

“The VRU is determined to take action to bring about long-term change for young people and communities affected by violence and its undeniable causes – poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunity.”