An innovative new programme for frontline youth practitioners
Thanks to funding by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) we are excited to launch the Rise Up programme delivered by London Youth in partnership with Leap Confronting Conflict and Clore Social Leadership. We are looking for 100 high-potential youth practitioners in London to enhance and build their skills to become the future leaders of youth services for young people at risk of, or affected by, violence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, youth practitioners are needed more than ever as a vital source of support to help young people navigate through the conflict in their lives. However, many of those working with young people have not had the opportunity to develop their leadership potential or receive formal training in specialist areas of practice. That is why we have developed this unique programme to develop the next generation of youth sector leaders.
How it works
London Youth and its partners will be recruiting 100 frontline practitioners and take them through an intense programme of training, mentoring and support to develop skills and knowledge that will make a positive change in communities affected by violence. Each cohort will receive 26 engaging training sessions over a five-month period including a residential in 2021 and the chance to apply for innovation grants to turn their learning into action. Each participant will be matched with a mentor in a leadership position to help them put the training into practice and think about their future progression.
Due to physical distancing as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, it is likely that training this year will be delivered online but we will continue to monitor this and inform applicants on developments.
Who can apply?
Applications will go live the week commencing 20th July 2020 and we will be seeking those who demonstrate leadership in their youth work practice but have faced barriers to, and are not yet in, leadership positions. We will be seeking applicants who:
- Are actively working with young people
- Have lived experience of the issues surrounding violence affecting young people
- Have had limited or no professional development training or youth work qualifications
The training programme
We know that issues surrounding violence affecting young people are not solved by a single approach. That’s why the programme is designed as a flow of training sessions covering a broad range of theories and approaches to the practical and specialist skills to provide leadership in the reduction of violence.
Core modules will include trauma-informed practice, systems change, identity and boundaries, behaviour management, mental health first aid, contextual & transitional safeguarding and business planning. Each module will encourage reflective practice and help those on the programme relate the learning to their work with young people and communities.
Group working
From week commencing 20th July we will be accepting applications from frontline practitioners across the capital who are working to reduce violence. The successful applicants will be divided into four cohorts that will have start dates in September, November, January and the last cohort beginning in February.
Each cohort will work together for five months and will have the opportunity to work together and pitch for small pots of funding to deliver innovative projects locally. Participants will also connect with others on the programme through several 121 coaching sessions as well as optional local social events.
How can I get started?
Full applications will go live in July but for now we encourage you to express your interest using the form below and we will email you when applications are live. In the meantime, Leap Confronting Conflict and other partners are delivering a set of free taster sessions to give you an idea of the types of workshops you can expect on the full programme later in the year. We highly recommend signing up for a taster session, you can click below to see what’s on offer!
