Empowering Communities. Transforming Lives.
Ending Youth Violence.
At SYVN, we provide specialised courses, targeted training, and a network of qualified practitioners dedicated to youth violence prevention. We envision a world where every community possesses the tools and resources to tackle, respond to, and prevent serious youth violence.
Our mission is to end youth violence by equipping professionals and organisations with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to make a positive, lasting impact on communities and the lives of young people.
SYVN empowers practitioners to lead, excel, and transform lives
Addressing the complexities of youth violence, including gangs, knife crime, and child criminal exploitation, is a significant challenge globally. Many practitioners are eager to enhance their understanding and skills to tackle these issues effectively.
Now, more than ever, a comprehensive plan is essential to address serious youth violence and its effects. Our programs equip practitioners and organisations with the strategies, models, and interventions needed to bring about meaningful change within communities.
Our Distinctive Programs
SYVN offers practitioners the opportunity to obtain a Level 3 accreditation in Working with Gangs and Serious Youth Violence, developed by leading researchers and experienced practitioners. We are the UK’s foremost provider of accredited training programs in youth violence prevention
Global Impact
In recent years, we have partnered with numerous organisations and qualified hundreds of practitioners worldwide. We support strategic leaders and frontline staff, equipping them with the knowledge needed to transform their approach to tackling, responding to and preventing serious youth violence.
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Courses we have on offer
Supporting & Connecting Professionals
& Empowering Communities.
Introduction to Serious Youth Violence Short Course
Accelerate Your Understanding of Serious Youth Violence
Addressing serious youth violence is a complex and demanding journey – but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Leveraging our extensive experience with practitioners, we’ve developed practical insights and strategies to help you navigate this challenging landscape with confidence and effectiveness.
In our “Introduction to Working with Serious Youth Violence” workshop, you will:
Deepen your understanding of serious youth violence, including its root causes, impacts, and the socio-economic factors that contribute to it. Assess where you are in your journey as a practitioner, anticipate upcoming challenges, and discover the right strategies to adopt for effective intervention and prevention. Learn the seven essential elements for creating a high-impact practice by equipping yourself with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to begin your journey to making a substantial difference.
What's Included
- An online training session with one of our qualified specialists
- Access to the SYVN Learning Portal: Video series and accompanying worksheets, quizzes and short assessments.
- A strategy session with one of our facilitators so you can start implementing what you learn in practice
- Digital "goodie bag" of valuable resources
We also offer this training as a one-day workshop for organisations
What's Included
- 12 months of Access to Pre-Recorded Lectures and Masterclasses via the SYVN Learning Portal
- Interactive Quizzes, Exercises, and Assessments
- Engaging Content: Access well-organized, relevant content structured to make learning enjoyable and effective
- Connect with a community of like-minded practitioners through our network
- Receive support from tutors and coaches who have completed the course
Discover the modules available for you to begin your learning journey.
Distance Learning Modules
Learn at your own pace through our Focus Modules
Traditional professional development can often feel rigid and unmanageable, especially for practitioners dealing with the complex and dynamic challenges of serious youth violence. Balancing the demands of your role with the need to grow your skills shouldn’t be overwhelming.
Our Focus Modules are designed to provide a flexible, fully online learning experience tailored to your needs. These short, accredited modules allow you to target specific areas of expertise without disrupting your daily responsibilities, making professional development accessible and achievable.
Each module empowers you to deepen your knowledge, refine your practice, and enhance your impact in the communities you serve—all at a pace that works for you. Embrace this opportunity to learn on your terms and make a meaningful difference.
Discover the modules available for you to begin your learning journey.
Distance learning Accredited Courses
Become a Specialist with our Accredited Courses in Working with Serious Youth Violence
In every community, there are practitioners who take the first steps toward addressing serious youth violence. These individuals equip themselves with essential knowledge and skills to create safer spaces, foster understanding, and build trust, making a lasting impact in their communities.
Our Stage 1 and Stage 2 Accredited Courses provide a complete learning journey. Stage 1 lays the foundation, helping practitioners understand the root causes of youth violence and develop practical strategies for engagement. Stage 2 builds on this, offering advanced tools to tackle complex challenges, drive systemic change, and lead impactful interventions. Elevate your expertise, connect with like-minded professionals, and create meaningful change in the lives of young people and their communities.
What's Included
- Gain access to pre-recorded webinars, videos, and masterclasses via the SYVN Learning Portal.
- Engage with interactive quizzes, exercises, and assessments to deepen your understanding and skills.
- Benefit from well-organised and engaging content designed to make learning enjoyable and effective.
- Receive one-to-one guidance from tutors and coaches dedicated to your success.
- Learn from real-world scenarios and experts by experience to apply knowledge effectively.
Applications are selected based on merit, chemistry and timing, one in every three people we interview is accepted onto our annual course
Success Stories
What our Previous students have had to say about the course
“Laura Brown has seen significant professional growth since completing our course. It has not only broadened my knowledge base but also boosted my confidence, empowering me to provide expert advice to my colleagues and effectively improve outcomes for the young people we serve. I particularly appreciated the diverse backgrounds of the teachers and speakers, which enriched my learning experience, providing me with a variety of perspectives and approaches”.
“My colleagues now see me as an expert in this area, and frequently come to me for advice.”
“Michelle Kelly’s personal experience with knife crime fueled her dedication to aiding others and uplifting her community. I found great value in our course’s diverse teaching perspectives, particularly appreciating the inclusion of speakers with lived experiences. I initially had concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on my learning experience, but I was impressed with how well the course adapted.”
“Rachel Warren brings her unique perspective as a teacher and knife crime campaigner to her testimonial. Contrary to common assumptions, professionals in education, youth work, and social work often need more specific training on issues like youth violence and knife crime. I appreciated the depth of the course, it provided vital information that went beyond the basic expectations of my role.
Not only interesting, educational, and informative; I found it really enjoyable!’
“Become a certified specialist in addressing gangs, youth violence, and child criminal exploitation with the UK’s only accredited qualification in this critical field. This comprehensive program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in communities affected by these pressing issues. Our graduates have consistently reported enhanced capabilities and a deeper understanding, enabling them to implement effective strategies and interventions that truly make a difference. Join a network of dedicated professionals who are leading the charge in transforming how these challenges are addressed across the nation.”
Learn more about our Stage 1 and Stage 2 Distance & Hybrid Learning Pathways
Serious Youth Violence
Stage 1: Foundational-
This programme is the perfect starting point for practitioners looking to develop a strong foundation in addressing serious youth violence. Stage 1 provides a comprehensive exploration of the key factors influencing youth behaviour, equipping learners with practical tools and evidence-based strategies to engage with young people and their communities effectively. Participants will gain the essential knowledge and confidence to make meaningful change in both professional and community settings.
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Online access to lectures and masterclasses (Hybrid)
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Practical tools and evidence-based strategies
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Direct support from experienced tutors
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Flexible study via the Virtual Learning Portal
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Study 4 foundational modules
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CPD Access only SYVN CPD Certificate upon completion
Serious Youth Violence
Stage 2: Advanced-
Stage 2 is designed for practitioners ready to take their expertise to the next level. This course focuses on advanced strategies for intervention, systemic change, and collaborative working. Through a deep dive into specialised topics such as policy frameworks, social psychological perspectives, and gang exit strategies, participants will emerge with the advanced skills needed to tackle complex challenges and create sustainable impact in their communities.
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Online access to lectures and masterclasses
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Access to advanced strategies and specialist knowledge
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One-to-one guidance from expert facilitators
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Study through the Virtual Learning Portal
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Study 4 advanced modules
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Accredited Certificate upon completion
Short Courses
Specialised Learning-
Our Focus Modules are short, courses designed to provide practitioners with targeted knowledge in key areas of serious youth violence. Each module delves deeply into a specific topic, offering practical insights and strategies that can be applied immediately in professional settings. These courses are ideal for those seeking flexibility while enhancing their expertise in critical areas of youth work.
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Flexible online learning tailored for busy professionals
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Access support from experienced tutors
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Study via the Virtual Learning Portal
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Explore topics such as mental health, youth violence, and gang exit strategies
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Complete individual modules at your own pace
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SYVN CPD Certificate awarded upon completion
Foundation
Introduction to Serious Youth Violence-
This introductory course offers a concise, immersive experience for professionals new to the field of serious youth violence. Designed to provide foundational understanding, it explores the root causes, socio-economic factors, and practical approaches to tackling youth violence. Delivered by expert practitioners, this course equips learners with the essential knowledge to begin making an impact in their practice.
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5-hour delivery via online, in-person, or live online sessions
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Gain actionable insights into the causes and impacts of youth violence
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Access exclusive learning resources and assessments through the Virtual Learning Portal
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Includes interactive workshops and a strategy session with a facilitator
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SYVN CPD Certificate upon completion
Working with Serious Youth Violence Scorecard
Discover Your Impact Score
The Serious Youth Violence Scorecard benchmarks your skills and competence across five critical areas of practice, identifying opportunities for growth. If you aim to make a meaningful impact on young people, families, and communities affected by serious youth violence, this tool will establish your baseline.
Take this scorecard to assess your readiness and receive a detailed report outlining specific steps to enhance your effectiveness and influence in addressing serious youth violence.
Awards & Endorsements
