News and opinion

Employment and access to workplace skills are vital for young people, offering more than just financial independence. They provide a sense of purpose, structure, and an opportunity to develop essential life skills. Engaging in meaningful work enables young individuals to cultivate communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for personal development and future career…

Knife crime involving children and young people continues making headlines across the country. Recent youth knife crime statistics show a concerning rise in serious violence, including fatal stabbings. Every child’s life lost is devastating to families and communities, and while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, it’s crucial to remember…

Four months after the ban on so-called “zombie knives,” our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) argues that while the ban is a step in the right direction, more comprehensive action is needed to effectively tackle knife crime. The 2016 ban on zombie knives was hampered by a loophole, allowing retailers to circumvent restrictions by simply removing…

This week the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) published the final Children, Violence and Vulnerability (CVV) report from 2024. The survey asked more than 10,000 teenagers across England and Wales about their perceptions and experiences of violence, making it the largest of its kind ever completed. It helps us to understand the national picture of how…

25th November is the international day for the ‘Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls’ (VAWG). It marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.   This is a moment to recognise the sheer scale of violence inflicted upon women and girls, predominantly by men and boys. This includes all types of physical…