Early Engagement Notice Community-led Research: Supporting young people directly affected by interpersonal violence through relational support

London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) are hosting a Speed-Networking Event for researchers within the violence reduction and social justice sector, to connect with community organisations providing tertiary violence reduction interventions, with the aim of embedding community voice and young people’s experiences at the heart of research. As part of this session, the VRU intends to conduct a preliminary Market Engagement with both researchers and community organisations who are interested in delivering a future research project. If you are interested in attending this market engagement event, please sign up to the Eventbrite link here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/violence-reduction-research-speed-networking-breakfast-tickets-1389533725779?aff=oddtdtcreator Background to the Research Project The research will seek to better understand how services and systems work in supporting young people for whom violence is a lived reality. Although a small proportion of young people in London, this group is often in need of intense and complex support, but systems and services often struggle to meaningfully engage this group. As part of this market engagement, the VRU is interested in engaging with researchers and organisations delivering ‘tertiary’ violence reduction interventions. Note: “Tertiary interventions” are defined as “approaches that focus on long-term care in the wake of violence, such as rehabilitation and reintegration, and attempts to lessen trauma or reduce the long-term disability associated with violence. Tertiary prevention also seeks to prevent further acts of violence”.1 The research project is in development, however the VRU are interested in: developing our understanding of tertiary violence reduction service provision across London, listen to the lived experience of young people most impacted by violence, including their experiences of support services, build upon existing evidence to identify how systems and services can be improved to support young Londoners most at risk of violence, developing our understanding of the types of supportive, trusting and sustainable relationships (particularly through youth practitioners) that work to engage young people impacted by violence within the London context. We are interested in the various barriers which can prevent such relationships from forming or from being sustained. The intention for this research is to be delivered collaboratively between a researcher and community organisation, experienced in providing such support and who have a nuanced understanding of the London context. Speed Networking Event This event will facilitate wider networking and collaboration between researchers & VCS organisations delivering violence reduction interventions. In relation to the specific research procurement, the intended outcome of this preliminary market engagement is to identify relevant organisations, gauge the level of market interest, engage and receive feedback from the market by outlining the objectives of the research. The information gathered as part of this engagement will be used by the VRU to clarify and develop its requirements, assess the market’s capacity and develop its procurement strategy. Interested parties will bear their own costs of participation in this market engagement and the VRU shall not be liable for any costs, expenses or losses incurred from this engagement exercise. If you are not able to attend this meeting but would like to be updated on the next steps; please email your details to VRUProcurement@london.gov.uk and register your interest. The deadline is 26th June 2025 @ 12:00 noon. This procurement is governed by the Procurement Act 2023. To view this notice, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=958382174