Youth Services

The City of London Corporation is awarding a needs-led, inclusive and flexible youth and play service that reflects the priorities and lived experiences of local children, young people, and families. The service will support children and young people aged 8–19 (up to 25 for those with SEND or who are care-experienced) through a coordinated mix of universal and targeted provision. The service must offer safe, welcoming spaces delivered locally and in ways that work for young people. Provision should be age-appropriate, engaging, and co-designed with young people, with an emphasis on supporting personal development, wellbeing, and life skills through meaningful, fun, and relevant activities. The service will also ensure that young people with additional needs, including those with EHCPs or who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), can access tailored support. Partnership and joined up delivery will be key, including with schools, health services, local community groups, and other City of London commissioned services. The provider will be expected to work in close collaboration with these stakeholders to reduce duplication, improve coordination, and strengthen early help pathways, aligning where possible with the City’s emerging Family Hub model. The scope includes delivery across three integrated service areas: • Universal Youth & Play (UY&P). • Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG). • Youth Participation and Voice. 1. Universal Youth and Play (UY&P) Target Group: Children and young people aged 8–19 (up to 25 with SEND), living in the City of London and adjacent estates. Delivery Locations: Golden Lane and Portsoken Community Centres, delivered on a drop-in basis. Service Description: This strand offers open-access, inclusive provision where young people can take part in a variety of structured and informal activities that align with core youth work principles. The aim is to provide inclusive, engaging, and developmental opportunities that help young people achieve their potential. Aims of the service: • Provide safe, inclusive spaces for young people’s development as per the National Youth Work Curriculum. • Base delivery on the National Occupational Standards for youth work. • Offer varied activities promoting youth voice, wellbeing, inclusion, life skills, creative arts, sports, life skills and workshops, etc. • Ensure fair treatment and accessible, inclusive services for all young people. • Use diverse approaches to meet young people’s varied needs, including universal, targeted, outreach, and digital methods. • Increase engagement and support young people in exploring their identity and improving their health and wellbeing. 2. Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Target Group: Young people aged 13–19 (up to 25 for those with SEND or additional needs). Service Description: The IAG strand provides impartial guidance and personalised support for young people making decisions about education, employment, and training. A particular focus is placed on those with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities (LDD) or other additional needs such as autism or mental health challenges. Aims of the service: • Supports young people in accessing apprenticeships, education, and employment. • Provides tailored assistance, including CV writing, interview preparation, and additional learning support. • Participates in transition and annual reviews (Year 9–12). • Contributes to the young person’s Education, Health & Care Plan. • Tracks 16 and 17-year-olds who are not participating in education or training (Zero NEET Target). • Attends quarterly contract monitoring meetings and provides meaningful data. 3. Youth Participation Target Group: Children and young people aged 8–25 who live in or are connected to the City of London. Service Description: Youth Participation is facilitated through a City Youth Forum. The City of London Corporation recognises the significance of residents’ input in the development of services. The Department strives to ensure that the communities it serves are consulted and provided with opportunities to co-produce the services delivered to them. The CYF is designed to offer these opportunities to young people through creative and innovative methods, enabling meaningful engagement and enhancing participation. Aims of the service: • Elect a Youth Parliament Member to represent local and national levels. • Create opportunities for youth to shape services and be active in their community. • Develop young people’s leadership and campaigning opportunities. • Support skill development in communication, public speaking, debating, and negotiation. • Support young people to create issue-focused manifestos and campaign on issues that matter to them. • Offer different levels of involvement (e.g. Consultant, Forum Member, or Leader. • Facilitate regular City Youth Forum meetings.