Youth work week is here, a good time to reflect on this important profession, practice, and approach. A profession that evoked passion in me and has been a driving force in my career, I imagine there are thousands within the youth sector who would say the same – you might be one or working with many…
…because young people matter! For those in the youth sector, the role of youth voice lies at the heart of all we do. This is integral to my role as YEF’s Youth Voice and Project Officer. I am part of the Youth Understanding team and I believe it is very important that youth voice is…
Zombie-style knife ban From 24 September 2024, it will be illegal to possess, sell, hire, manufacture, import, or supply zombie-style knives and machetes across the UK. The expansion of The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988 will see these dangerous weapons added to the list of prohibited offensive items. Jon Yates, CEO of…
It feels like everyone’s talking about focused deterrence. Since joining YEF eight months ago, it’s the intervention I’ve been asked most about; How can we deliver it in our local area? Is it really that effective? When will the findings from YEF’s multi-site trial be ready? Alongside growing interest from government departments, we’ve seen an…
The UK riots in August 2024 brought to light significant issues facing the nation’s young people, with a worrying number of teenagers involved in the disturbances. As the situation has calmed, it’s become clear that many of those arrested were young people, prompting crucial discussions about how the justice system handles teenagers and what steps…
Young people at risk of criminal exploitation and violence will soon have the support of positive adult role models, thanks to a new £10 million investment from the YEF.
Two questions I get asked a lot as head of the Youth Endowment Fund is “does social media cause violence?” and “what do we do about it?” So, here’s my attempt at some answers. Does social media cause violence? The short answer is we don’t know, but I think it’s likely. Here’s the thing: there…
YEF partners with the Centre for Justice Innovation The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is delighted to announce the appointment of the Centre for Justice Innovation as its Youth Justice Partner following a competitive tender. The YEF’s mission is to prevent children and young people from becoming involved in violence. It does this by finding out…
The Youth Endowment Fund’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) recently held a productive roundtable session discussing the role of youth leadership in three key areas: Governance and Decision-Making Two young speakers, one from YAB and one external, kicked off the discussion on governance and decision-making. They highlighted the importance of valuing young people’s time through proper…
Every life lost due to violence is one too many. However, violence isn’t inevitable. Recent data shows there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. In 2022/23 (the latest year we have figures for), hospital admissions for assault with a knife or sharp object were down 9% on the previous year.