Young Westminster Foundation has coordinated Level Up Youth Work, a three year initiative spanning six North West London boroughs.
With funding from City Bridge Foundation this project invested in support and training for frontline workers who provide life changing services for some of the capital’s most vulnerable young people.
Young Westminster Foundation, Young Camden Foundation, Young Harrow Foundation, Young Hammersmith and Fulham, Young K&C and Young Ealing Foundation have each led localised programmes offering vital skills, training and qualifications for practitioners.
Findings from an independent evaluation of Level Up Youth Work have revealed that this model of localised place-based investment strengthens organisations, improves practice and creates better outcomes for young people.
One key outcome of the programme has been that it helped to build stronger relationships across organisations, creating opportunities to share expertise, reduce isolation and enable working together to address common challenges facing young people and the sector.
“Level Up Youth Work has shown what is possible when we invest in the people who support young people every day. The evaluation highlights the power of connection, learning and collaboration in strengthening a workforce that is often stretched and under-resourced. Most importantly, it reinforces that workforce development is not a luxury. It is essential if we want every young person to have access to high-quality opportunities and support within their community.”
Helen Mann, CEO, Young Westminster Foundation
One key highlight of the programme was a special conference bringing practitioners together to learn and share together.
Read more: Being Real Matters: Reflections from our Level Up conference
Programme impacts and reflections
The Level Up programme has enabled Young Westminster Foundation and our partners to deliver significant impact in the six participating boroughs.
In the short film above we hear from youth and community workers, sharing their experiences of the Level Up Youth Work programme.
LEVEL UP IS DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
