Our Five Moments in 2025
As 2025 draws to a close and we wrap up for the festive break, we’re taking a moment to look back on the year young Londoners have had.
In many ways, it’s been another unsettled year. Youth violence remains one of the UK’s most pressing social issues, with serious and lasting impacts on young Londoner’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. Rising economic insecurity continues to hit hardest for those already living in poverty, while the loss of safe spaces in our communities means many young Londoners are spending more time alone and online, often exposed to violent or harmful content.
And yet, throughout the year, we’ve seen what becomes possible when young Londoners are listened to, believed in and supported by trusted adults who stand alongside them.
With that in mind, we’re excited to share five moments that have defined our year! These moments have been made possible by the young Londoners we work alongside, the partners who support us, and our dedicated team who show up every single day to make a difference.
Our Time to Listen campaign was one of the most defining moments of our year because it put young Londoner’s voices exactly where they belong – at the centre! At a time when harmful stereotypes about young Londoners continue to dominate public narratives, the campaign challenged services, systems and wider society to stop speaking about young Londoners and start truly listening to them.
The campaign centred on a short film co-created with young Londoners who have accessed our support. They wrote the script and featured in the film themselves, sharing their experiences in their own words.
Our youth voice and participation work grew beyond expectation this year, with our young champion VIP programme excelling! This year, more young Londoners have joined the programme, using their voices, experiences and expertise to influence decision-makers and shape the conversation around violence and exploitation.
From visits to the House of Commons, to leading workshops at national conferences and hosting their own events for professionals across the sector, our VIPs have been out and about making their mark. Just as importantly, they’ve done all of this while having fun, building confidence and forming lasting friendships – a powerful reminder that participation isn’t just about influence, but about belonging too.
VIP member
I have a voice that once wasn't heard. Now my voice is being heard. My voice is now the voice of people not being heard.
Our corporate partnership with AWW has been another highlight of the year. Together, we’ve been working to create a Safer Spaces toolkit which will help guide and inform designers and architects across the UK to consider how they can create safer spaces and environments for young people.
Beyond this work, AWW have also provided unforgettable experiences for our VIPs like go-karting, which many described as the highlight of their year!
Another highlight is, without a doubt, the young Londoners themselves. No single story can capture the incredible strength and resilience they have shown this year. Time and again, young Londoners have demonstrated courage in the face of some of their toughest challenges, and it has been an absolute honour to stand alongside them - supporting them as they navigate growing up, overcome obstacles and find their voice.
Their determination inspires everything that we do!
Isabel, Expert Caseworker
One moment that really stood out was when a young person brought me chocolate to a session. I’m there to support them and their needs, so the fact that she thought of me was incredibly touching, it truly made me smile.
Our final highlight of the year is our fabulous staff! This year, we supported 496 young Londoners and 66 parents – milestones that would not have been possible without our caseworkers, whose dedication, expertise and compassion make real change happen every day.
Beyond direct support, our team shared their knowledge at 7 conferences, while responding to 1006 enquiries that came through our doors. Their talent, commitment and unwavering belief in young Londoners are what make all of our achievements possible, and we couldn’t be prouder.
As we look back on the moments that defined our year, one thing is clear: meaningful change is built through listening. As we move into 2026, we know the challenges remain, but so does our determination.
We would love your support as we continue our work supporting young Londoners and their families affected by violence and exploitation and as we continue to stand beside young Londoners helping them to build safer futures.
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