Online Harms Digital Youth Work Pilot Programme

The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is undertaking a virtual market engagement exercise Wednesday 5th August 2026 @ 10am , via MS Teams, to inform the commissioning of the Online Harms Digital Youth Work Pilot Programme. The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is committed to understanding the factors that place children and young people at risk of violence, exploitation and harm, and to working collaboratively with partners to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions. We work across communities and sectors, including youth services, local government, education, health, policing and the voluntary and community sector, championing a public health approach that combines prevention, early intervention and effective support for those experiencing the greatest levels of risk and vulnerability. At the heart of our approach is the belief that violence is preventable, not inevitable. We recognise, however, that many children and young people are already navigating the impacts of trauma, exploitation, abuse and complex community dynamics. As such, our work seeks not only to prevent harm before it occurs, but also to strengthen the systems, services and trusted adults responsible for safeguarding, supporting and intervening with those most affected. Central to this approach is a commitment to partnership working, evidence-informed practice and ensuring that the voices, experiences and expertise of young people and communities shape the solutions designed to support them. The Mayor's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is seeking to engage with the market in advance of a forthcoming procurement opportunity relating to the delivery of its flagship Digital Youth Work Pilot Programme. The programme forms part of the VRU's wider public health approach to violence reduction and sits within a London-wide model developed following extensive consultation with young people, practitioners, safeguarding professionals, academics and sector experts. Digital life brings clear benefits for m