Support for young people in serious violence hotspots

Young people who are most at risk of serious violence or gang exploitation will receive targeted support to keep them engaged in education and attending lessons.

Backed by £30 million, the support is a part of a rollout of 10 ‘SAFE’ (Support, Attend, Fulfil, Exceed) taskforces in ‘hotspot’ areas, where incidents of serious youth violence are highest. These will be led by local schools, bringing headteachers together to support vulnerable young people, and avoid them becoming involved in county lines and criminal activity.

Areas benefitting from a SAFE Taskforce are: Birmingham; Newham; Manchester; Lambeth; Leeds; Southwark; Sheffield; Bradford; Liverpool; and Haringey.

Children and Families Minister Will Quince said: “Keeping young people engaged with their education has never been more important. These taskforces are helping school leaders and vital support services work together to support some of the most vulnerable young people across the country, helping to keep them on the right track and stop them missing lessons.

“Through the work of these taskforces, combined with our ongoing SEND Review, the independent review of children’s social care, and our investment in Alternative Provision and other specialist support, this government is levelling up opportunities for all young people to help fulfil their potential and achieve better outcomes.”

The government has also announced the 22 schools benefitting from Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces, which work directly with young people in Alternative Provision settings to offer intensive support from experts, including mental health professionals, family workers, and speech and language therapists.