Meet London’s Young People’s Action Group (YPAG)—a collective of passionate and driven young Londoners working alongside the London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to ensure that young voices are central to decision-making in the fight to reduce violence across the city. This group isn’t just about discussing problems; it’s about finding real, tangible solutions that benefit the city’s youth.
Who Are the YPAG Members?
The YPAG is made up of a diverse group of young people, aged 15-24, all of whom have either lived experience with violence or a history of campaigning on youth issues. This dynamic group represents the wide spectrum of young Londoners, offering varied perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. What brings them together is their commitment to making London a safer, more equitable place for all young people.
With backgrounds as varied as their ideas, the members of YPAG don’t just talk about change—they help lead it. The programme is a two-year personal development journey, where members not only contribute their ideas and experiences but also develop the skills they need to become future leaders and advocates for their peers. They meet regularly—both online and in person—to discuss, strategize, and take action on key issues affecting young people across London.
What Does the YPAG Do?
The YPAG is at the forefront of shaping the VRU’s policies and programmes. Their work revolves around three main priorities:
Changing the story on school exclusions: The YPAG runs seminars and workshops to explore how to improve school attendance and the overall experience of young people in education. They’re pushing for changes that keep more young people in school and engaged with their learning.
Addressing online harms: The digital world is full of risks, and YPAG is actively working on solutions to protect young people from online dangers while educating them on how to navigate the web safely.
Developing pathways to employment and education: The group connects young people with mentoring, careers advice, and networking opportunities. They are creating clear, effective routes into employment and further education, ensuring young people across London have the support they need to succeed.
One of the group’s major achievements has been leading the Youth Takeover Day at City Hall, an event that brought together over 200 young Londoners to explore employment, training, and education opportunities. But that’s just one highlight. The YPAG has also been integral in designing workshops for leaders on tackling childhood exploitation, co-designing mentoring programmes like “Advance,” and shaping the VRU’s Education Summit, among other initiatives.
Amplifying Young Voices
What sets the YPAG apart is their hands-on involvement in shaping not just policy, but also real-world initiatives. They played a major role in the £4 million Children and Young People Online Harm Fund, which supports frontline workers in protecting young people online. This fund is not just a bureaucratic decision—it was heavily influenced by the insights and guidance of YPAG members, ensuring it addresses the true needs of young Londoners.
Moreover, the YPAG serves as a bridge between policymakers and young people on the ground. Whether it’s co-designing workshops for youth or giving feedback on how to share research findings in a youth-friendly way, the YPAG is consistently making sure that the voices of young people are heard—and that those voices are driving meaningful change.
Achievements and Impact
The impact of YPAG has been widely recognized. For example, Skills Builder awarded the group an Impact Level 4, highlighting their success in developing essential skills and applying them across different contexts. Whether they’re influencing multimillion-pound funding decisions or leading discussions on how to reduce violence in their communities, the YPAG’s work is both innovative and practical.
From shortlisting candidates for YPAG membership to providing youth voice at important VRU and Greater London Authority (GLA) boards, their influence extends across multiple sectors. This isn’t just a group that advises—they lead. YPAG members have been instrumental in designing and leading training sessions on online health, facilitating workshops for top UK executives, and co-creating major campaigns like Missing People’s ‘Is This Ok?’.
Join the YPAG: Be Part of the Solution
If you’re passionate about making London a safer place and giving young people a real voice in policy and decision-making, the YPAG is looking for new members. Applications are open for young people who live, work, or study in a London borough, and who are committed to tackling the issues facing their communities.
This isn’t just an opportunity to share your thoughts—it’s a chance to lead. YPAG members are given the tools and training they need to drive change, from public speaking and advocacy to networking with professionals across a variety of industries. The programme also offers practical benefits, like earning the London Living Wage, receiving essential equipment (laptops, phones), and gaining access to professional networks that can boost your personal and career growth.
YPAG members are expected to be active and engaged, attending meetings regularly and working on projects that matter most to them. In return, the VRU ensures that each member is supported, safeguarded, and given the resources they need to succeed.
A Dynamic and Inclusive Programme
The YPAG programme is designed to reflect the diversity of London. It’s about bringing together young people from different backgrounds and experiences to work together on issues that affect them all. Whether you’re passionate about reducing violence, increasing opportunities for youth, or simply want to be part of a group that’s making a real difference, the YPAG is a place where your voice matters.
At its heart, the YPAG is a beacon of hope, driving forward innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing young people in London today. By giving young Londoners the space, support, and responsibility to lead, this group is not just talking about change—they’re making it happen.
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Meet the YPAG team from Ireland
