An independent evaluation of a pioneering mentoring programme that has supported hundreds of children across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has highlighted its positive impact on young people's behavioural difficulties. Delivered through schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by youth workers in Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils, the programme provides one-to-one mentoring, family support and wider social skills-based activities (now refe

The Violence Reduction Network (VRN) was delighted to welcome Jeremy Miles, Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) on Thursday 30th July, as part of a visit to learn more about the partnership work taking place to prevent violence and improve outcomes for young people. During the visit, Jeremy Miles met with member of the VRN team, partners, practitioners and young people involved in a range of programmes tha

On Friday 26th September 2025, the African Caribbean Centre in Leicester was transformed into a vibrant hub of young voices shaping change and community spirit as around 100 young people from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) gathered for the third local Hope Hack event - an annual event designed to empower young people to co-create solutions for a fairer society. Organised and funded by the Violence Reduction Network (VRN), the Hope Hack is part of a national movem

A new youth-led initiative is launching across East and West Leicester, placing young people at the forefront of efforts to tackle crime, violence, and social inequality in their communities. The Violence Reduction Network (VRN) has been successful in securing funding from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) and the #iwill Fund (a joint investment between The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture) to become one of just four delivery partners in the nationa

Sixteen community leaders attended a celebration event to showcase their work to peers and partners following completion of a leadership...