Countless pages have been written by academics and researchers seeking to find the magic formula of how society prevents people committing and/or returning to crime, especially acts of violence. While theories abound and papers continue to be published, those of us working on the frontline know that prevention is better than cure. This approach is gaining traction, with many more cities around the world adopting a public health approach (PHA) to tackling the root causes of violence.
An integral part of any PHA addressing serious violence that impacts young people is the involvement of the voluntary and community sector (VCS). In London, the critical work of detached and outreach workers, youth hub staff and specialist mentors has increasingly been fulfilled by the VCS, yet for too long it has been underfunded and overlooked. Thankfully, in recent years, this vital sector has started to see positive signs of resurgence.
London’s VCS is rich with passionate leaders — individuals who have experienced firsthand the painful impacts of violence and have dedicated their lives to ensuring others do not endure the same fate. Often, these projects are founded at significant financial and emotional costs to those involved. Yet these efforts are fuelled by a deeply held belief that saving even one life makes it all worthwhile.
The recent investment by the Mayor of London, through initiatives like the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and the My Ends programme, has been instrumental in supporting grassroots community leaders. This investment is encouraging creativity, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable solutions. Early signs are promising, but it’s crucial that this investment is maintained long-term. Successful PHAs have demonstrated that sustained impact requires a commitment of at least a decade. Our hope is that the new government continues to prioritise this investment in London’s future, and across the nation.
A Decade of Impact: Clear Vision, Safe Journey
Last year, Wipers Youth proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary — a decade of empowering thousands of young people. Our mission has remained steadfast: to engage and empower our beneficiaries by increasing their personal and social development, confidence and self-esteem – providing them with a clearer vision for a safer journey.
In the past year alone, we've reached 302 young people, delivered 7,406 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring, and run 92 groupwork programmes and workshops with an impressive 89% completion rate. Our impact extends across London, with young people from diverse backgrounds finding support, guidance and opportunities through our services.
Over the years, we have earned accolades for our impactful group work programmes, including the acclaimed Ether Programme — a leadership and personal development initiative for Black and global majority young men. Our specialist mentoring support has expanded across half of London’s boroughs, currently operating in Barnet, Camden, Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Islington, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, and Westminster.
Our partnerships with Youth Justice Services and our ongoing frontline youth work presence have enabled us to provide meaningful interventions. Beyond London, we’ve shared our expertise through training programmes delivered across the country, from Surrey and Bedfordshire to Greater Merseyside and Lancashire. Our recent merger with The Learning and Development Hub will further bolster our ability to upskill the sector and improve support for practitioners.
Wipers Youth continues to bridge the gap between policymakers, academics, and young people with lived experience through our Youth Voice and Policy work. Our Youth Ambassador programme empowers young people to amplify their peers' voices, driving meaningful policy changes in the realms of criminal justice and youth services.
Community-Driven Solutions
Wipers are especially proud to lead the grassroots consortium behind the Finsbury Park Kickback Project (KBP), a violence reduction initiative funded by the My Ends VRU programme. The KBP focuses on reducing violence by providing positive activities and expanding opportunities for young people.
As a social enterprise, Wipers Youth has achieved these milestones through a financially sustainable model that prioritises trade over an over-reliance on grants. We’ve demonstrated consistent growth over the past four years, with turnover increasing by approximately 196%, rising from £185,180 in 2021 to £548,573 in 2024. Despite some fluctuations in profit, this growth reflects the organisation's expanding resilience and effective financial management.
This success stands as proof that grassroots organisations can achieve both social impact and commercial viability when given the right investment.
Understanding What Works
Desistance theory highlights two key factors that most significantly reduce reoffending: family support and employment1. In response, we’ve forged partnerships with a range of employers, including Equans and Wates to help young people gain CSCS qualifications and secure employment in the construction industry. Additionally, we’ve amplified our support helping young people in obtaining driving licences and accessing opportunities in transportation and hospitality sectors, through our taster day employability initiatives.
We know what works because we see it every day -- the transformative power of meaningful relationships, targeted support, and practical opportunities. Our mentors' lived and professional experience, combined with reliability, perseverance and commitment, enables us to deliver quality, specialised, bespoke packages to our beneficiaries. We break down barriers and build trusted relationships on which our positive and supportive work can flourish.
And we’re not alone. There are many other VCS organisations that are increasing young people’s resilience, improving their wellbeing, reducing their involvement in violence and crime, and facilitating better educational outcomes. Although these outcomes are not always easily measurable and scientifically quantifiable, the soft skills and concealed benefits are clear to see to those who know where to look.
The Way Forward
Looking ahead, many of the same challenges present 10 years ago remain, though some have worsened. Our beneficiaries still face a ridiculously high cost of living, reduced national and international employment opportunities in post-Brexit Britain, and extreme racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
As the new Labour government begins to grapple with these challenges, we plan to be a part of the conversation and continue our policy and advocacy work to champion the rights of young people as well as the underserved and overlooked.
We know what works – long term public health approaches through a ‘Child First’ lens, positioning grassroots community organisations at the forefront. Now we need the investment in the VCS to empower us to do what we do, giving young people the best chance to progress, achieve and thrive. This means:
1. Long-term, sustainable and equitable commissioning and funding streams that allows organisations like ours to plan, innovate, and grow
2. Recognition of the expertise within the VCS and meaningful involvement in policy development
3. Support for the workforce through training, supervision, and competitive salaries
4. A commitment to evaluation and learning, so we continue to refine and improve our approaches and demonstrate impact
The evidence is clear -- when the VCS is properly resourced and supported, we deliver results. We reduce violence, transform lives, and build stronger communities. We know what works because we do what works, day in and day out.
Sammy Odoi, Managing Director, Wipers Youth CIC and a trustee of Fighting Knife Crime London
www.wipers.org.uk
Further Reading:
[1] Publication - Research and analysis
