Rise Up Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs will be updated regularly, but if you have a question you do not feel is answered below then please email riseup@londonyouth.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  

• Our FAQs are divided into four sections; Time Commitment and Training, Personal and Organisation Questions. Do be sure to read through them all to understand the programme.

Time Commitment Questions

How long does the programme last?

The Rise Up core training lasts for 5 months with breaks during school holidays when the youth sector is most busy. It’s weekly, and there are additional optional training opportunities throughout and afterwards too. It includes a range of activities from training to coaching to mentoring to developing and delivering projects to integrate the learning.

How much time commitment is required to attend sessions?

All training and activities will be delivered on the same day during the week, 10am – 4pm.

Your employer can claim support to cover your workload during this time, to support both you and your organisation with this commitment.  You can also claim support for any care responsibilities or accessibility needs to enable you to engage one day a week for the duration of the programme.

Will I need to take time off work? 

All sessions will be delivered during the week. We request that therefore where possible you are referred by your current employer, as you may need to seek your line manager’s approval to take part in the programme.  Your employer can access financial support from us to cover you on your training days, which should mitigate the need for you to use your annual leave to attend Rise Up.  We do not deliver any activities during school breaks as we are aware that these are busy time periods for youth practitioners.

Will I need to commit any time outside of the training sessions?

Yes, occasionally. Although there are no assignments for the programme you will be encouraged to engage in your personal development through participating in:

• Our introduction Residential
• Mental Health First Aid training
• 4 online coaching sessions
• Pastoral calls
• Paid development opportunities

Training Questions

Where is the training delivered?

The training will be delivered predominantly in-person at The Lift in Islington. If you have barriers accessing sessions online or in person, please let us know and we will support making the programme accessible for you.

What training modules are involved?

Please refer to the course structure here. We will outline the full training details at your induction. If you have any questions about this beforehand, please don’t hesitate to contact us at riseup@londonyouth.org.

Will I get a qualification?

Rise Up is not officially accredited. However, you will receive your Youth Mental Health First Aid certificate upon completion of the 2-day course.

Will trainers and mentors reflect a range of experience and demographics?

Yes, our pool of trainers will be from a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. Some of these will understand the context in which you work and others will enrich your experience from new perspectives.

What happens once I finish the programme?

As an Alumni you will be able to continue career progression through our networks, paid consultations and optional training sessions.

Rise Up Alumni can be part of the VRU Youth Participation Advisory Board to further influence the sector.

You will also have the opportunity to apply for a Rise Up grant for new community initiatives.

Personal Questions

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit on the programme, but we are seeking practitioners who have not previously held leadership roles in the youth sector. The programme will be aimed at those with experience of direct youth work but the content will be pitched at those without formal training or qualifications.

How much does Rise Up cost me?

The programme is free to participants, with each place worth at least £5,000 in training and coaching costs.

I have a criminal record, can I still take part?

Yes, if you have been in conflict with the law, it will not stop you taking part. Having a past is part of life and in youth work it can be an asset, so we would encourage you to apply.

What will you be looking for in applicants for shortlisting?

We are looking for frontline youth practitioners who are working with young people at risk of violence / exploitation and who are:

• Motivated – to develop their skills to change the lives of young Londoners
• Committed – to Rise Up’s weekly training and to their own development
• Experienced – in the issues affecting young people and communities in London
• Communicative – to responsibly liaise with your employer and Rise Up team about your training requirements and any changes

I live outside of London, can I still take part?

To take part in Rise Up, you must be working with young people in London.

Do applicants need to be from organisations that are London Youth members?

No, the programme is also open to youth practitioners working in organisations who are not current members of London Youth.

I may have barriers that stop me taking part – is there support available?

Yes. Successful applicants can apply to an Access Fund for support.

Do I have to be employed to apply?

No, we also welcome applications from youth practitioners who are self-employed, volunteering or currently unemployed. You will need to have experience of working with young people and you will need to be supported by a nominator who can provide a reference and allow you the necessary time off work, if applicable.

Organisation Questions

My organisation is small and needs support, how can Rise Up help?

Your organisation may be eligible for the ‘Backfill Fund’ to help cover you whilst you take part in Rise Up training sessions.

How many candidates can an organisation put forward for this programme?

We do not have a limit, but we will be assessing each application on its own merit as well as ensuring we have a diverse spread of organisations and boroughs represented.