Webinar
Sections
A Virtual Learning Café (VLC) run by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) as part of our YEF Evidence in Practice series.
We are delighted to invite you to join our upcoming Virtual Learning Café, where we will explore the role of youth clubs as a universal, community-based approach to preventing violence.
With renewed national focus on youth provision and growing interest in universal prevention, this session will bring together sector leaders and commissioners to reflect on what the evidence tells us — and what it means for local investment decisions.
What we’ll cover:
- A summary of the evidence on youth clubs – including impact, cost, and implementation insights
- Reflections from a Regional Youth Work Unit leader
- Perspectives from a Local Authority Commissioner
- YEF’s recommendations and how universal youth provision can contribute to violence reduction
- Open Q&A and discussion
Why youth clubs?
Youth clubs are open-access, community-based spaces where children and young people can socialise, build trusted relationships with youth workers, and access informal support. They offer safe, inclusive environments that promote belonging, personal development, and connection to wider services.
The current research suggests youth clubs may reduce offending by 13%, improve school engagement, and strengthen community connectedness — all at a relatively low average cost (£473 per child per year). While our confidence in the violence impact estimate remains low due to limited studies, the broader evidence highlights the importance of accessibility, skilled youth workers, inclusion, and sustained funding.
This session is particularly relevant for colleagues in the youth sector, community settings, and commissioning roles who are considering how universal provision can form part of a wider violence prevention strategy.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be an engaging and practical discussion.
The event will run online using MS Teams on Tuesday 21st April 2026, 11:00–12:30.