London's Violence Reduction Unit Custody Based Youth Services to Provide Support to Young People

London’s Violence Reduction Unit Custody Based Youth Services to Provide Support to Young People The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is undertaking a market engagement exercise on Monday 22nd June to inform the recommissioning of custody-based intervention services for 18-25s in London . The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is committed to reducing violence by understanding how it affects young people and communities and by building strong partnerships across sectors, including youth work, local authorities, education, health, policing, and the voluntary and community sector. Through this work, the VRU champions prevention and early intervention, ensuring that the voices of young people are central to shaping services and driving system change. Custody-based interventions form a key part of this approach, providing support at critical ‘reachable and teachable’ moments. Background to Current Service Custody-based interventions (CBI) drive the importance of supporting young people during their critical point in their journey through the criminal justice system. Young people present in custody with complex needs and can face multiple barriers in accessing positive opportunities. Without meaningful intervention, they are at heightened risk of reoffending, social exclusion, and long-term negative outcomes. The current service provision is DIVERT, a custody-based intervention programme supporting young adults aged 18–25 at a crucial stage in the criminal justice system. The programme has been running for the past 10 years and has been funded through the London Violence Reduction Unit since 2021, reaching 9,417 young adults over the past five years. Delivered by Custody Intervention Coaches (CICs), the service operates across 12 custody suites in London and continues into the community, providing tailored, trauma-informed support. The programme focuses on addressing barriers such as housing, health, and lack of identification, while creating pathways into educatio