Rise Up develops youth practitioners’ skills and confidence, enabling them to better support young Londoners affected by violence. By investing directly in frontline youth work professionals and their organisations, the programme is set to strengthen London’s youth sector and sector-based networks. 

Over the last three years, Rise Up has demonstrably succeeded in deepening youth practitioners’ skills, networks, and practice. Hundreds of alumni continue to use their strengthened knowledge to support young people more effectively. 

Entering its fourth year, the Rise Up programme is now open for applications! 

In 2020-2023:

We worked with 268 youth professionals from 28 of the 32 London boroughs.

“ “I am better equipped to handle conflict – I have been able to remain calm when conflict occurs and focus on asking questions.” — Rise Up Participant

We delivered 216 training modules and 596 coaching sessions.

“ ‘[It’s] given me validation that it’s okay for me to challenge professionals, no matter their position. I may now challenge an agency, e.g., the police – I’m more confident to say it as it is.’ — Rise Up Participant

Why Rise Up?  

Many young Londoners experience the devastating effects of violence and the emotional and mental trauma that accompanies it. To address the causes and impact, we need to ensure they are receiving good youth work and support.  

The Rise Up leadership programme strengthens London’s youth sector by investing directly in frontline youth work professionals and their organisations. The programme builds on the participants’ existing knowledge and expertise and supports the development of their general youth work practice and leadership skills.    

Co-designed with its Alumni, Rise Up’s Core training is current and relevant reflecting the needs of the youth sector and young people in London. Available in two formats: Lite, a concise fast-track course or Full, a comprehensive 6-month training. It is designed to strengthen the participants’ expertise through the experiences of fellow youth practitioners in the group and insights from organisations specialising in youth work, trauma, conflict, contextual safeguarding, and leadership.  

“Someone from DWP was on Rise Up, and through talking to her, I’ve been able to get some funding and more information around the support I can get for my young people from DWP. Another person was from Horizon… If I called Horizon, I would have to go through a process of waiting. Instead, I just call the guy from Rise Up and say this is the situation and he will help me immediately.” — Rise Up Participant 

 

What will you gain? 

  • Increased confidence 
  • Deepened youth work skills and practice  
  • Addressing conflict effectively  
  • Feeling fulfilled in their career   
  • Greater ability to participate in strategic discussions 
  • Development of leadership skills  

Rise Up programme formats

Rise Up Lite

Rise Up Lite has been designed to support practitioners who are unable to commit to the Full six month programme. It gives participants the opportunity to engage with all the other aspects of the Rise Up programme but in a more flexible way. Lite will last ten weeks, rather than six months. 

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Rise Up Full

Rise Up Full is spaced over 6 months of Core training on the same day and with the same group every week and includes 9 core Modules + 18 other training sessions.

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Key dates 

  • To apply for Full, applicants must attend an Assessment afternoon on either: 18th July or 24th July. Each session will run from 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm .
  • Application deadline: We will be recruiting throughout the year but would advise applying early the programme has been oversubscribed for the past three years. 
  • Rise Up Lite starts in July 2024 
  • Rise Up Full starts in September 2024 or January 2025
Expression of interest FAQs

 If you have any questions about the Rise Up programme, email riseup@londonyouth.org   

 

Funders and partners 

Rise Up is funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and delivered in partnership with LEAP Confronting Conflict, Feeling Social, Clore Social Leadership, Mary’s Youth Club, and Power The Fight.