This programme was developed through collaborative working and embedding evidence-based practice between YWA, QUB, EA, PSNI, DOJ and our membership groups. This project aims to build capacity of our front line service providers so that they can develop an informed response to violence reduction in a way that meets the needs of the children and young people. This programme also seeks to provide training and employment for 40 young people as peer researchers on living in safety and stability, thus building sustainability within the sector.

YWA worked with Children in Need to secure this pilot programme which places the voice of young people centrally and empowers them to critically reflect on the service and projects offered to address issues of violence in areas such as identified interfaces, areas of rurality and areas of multiple deprivation. This is a key aspect of this project, as other projects in England and Wales lacked the young person element.

The aim of the programme is to test the Common Purpose Framework and adapt it for young people to use as a working model for engagement and delivery.

It is envisaged that the programme will have 3 levels:

• Testing the approach
• Impact at local level
• Practically using the framework

Youth Work Alliance applied to Children in Need, in partnership with Queens University Belfast, and was successful in obtaining funding for this pilot programme; enabling us to build capacity and evidence-based practice with our member groups.