Youth Endowment Fund: Objective 2

This funding round forms part of a wider YEF programme of funding, evaluation and research over the next three years on what works to prevent and respond to VAWG.

We know that supporting children and young people to develop healthy, respectful equal relationships is an important part of preventing violence against women and girls. Universal education through Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) has a vital role to play. But some children and young people may also need more targeted support when they begin to display inappropriate or problematic attitudes and behaviours around gender norms and relationships.

We are inviting applications from organisations delivering targeted interventions that identify and respond to inappropriate and problematic attitudes and behaviours around gender norms and relationships among children and young people aged 10–18.

This funding round focuses on secondary prevention: early, targeted support for children and young people who are beginning to show emerging concerns, before behaviours escalate to the point where statutory services such as children’s social care, policing or youth justice are required.

We expect interventions to centre around targeted work with children and young people displaying inappropriate and problematic attitudes and behaviours. However, the interventions may also include training and support for teachers and school staff, tools or resources to support early identification, and approaches that help educational settings respond safely and appropriately to emerging concerns.