Distance Learning Courses in Working with Serious Youth Violence

Embark on a transformative learning journey with our CPD Courses in Working with Serious Youth Violence—the UK’s most comprehensive training programme for professionals dedicated to addressing serious youth violence, child criminal exploitation, and urban street gangs.

This course provides a deep, evidence-based understanding of the complex dynamics at play, equipping you with practical, effective strategies to create meaningful change in your community. Developed by renowned experts, including Dr Sangeeta Soni (Birmingham City University), Craig Pinkney (SOLVE), Dr Martin Glynn, and Teswal White (Youth Development Specialist), this programme merges cutting-edge academic research with real-world frontline experience to ensure you are fully prepared to make a tangible impact.

Addressing the Challenges Faced by Professionals in Youth Violence Prevention

Through extensive consultations with frontline practitioners and professionals in youth violence prevention, we understand the frustrations caused by rising violence, increasing demands, limited resources, and the lack of accessible, high-quality training. Balancing professional development with a demanding workload can be challenging, making it difficult to stay up to date with the latest research and best practices.

Our certified courses, recognised by the Serious Youth Violence Network, provide a flexible and engaging learning experience designed to fit around your schedule. Led by experienced facilitators, the training delivers practical, real-world insights that can be applied immediately to your work. With comprehensive and in-depth modules, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a lasting impact in your community.

Increase Your Understanding:

  • The Root Causes: Analyse the underlying factors that contribute to serious youth violence, urban street gangs, and child criminal exploitation.
  • Theoretical Foundations: Gain knowledge of the core theories and models that underpin effective practices in managing youth violence.
  • Safety Techniques: Learn techniques for safely and effectively engaging with young people in high-risk environments.
  • Impact of Trauma: Explore the effects of trauma and mental health issues on individuals involved in serious youth violence.
  • Social and Psychological Dynamics: Acquire insights into the social and psychological dynamics that drive youth violence.
  • Institutional Roles and Strategies: Understand the roles and strategies of government, criminal justice, and community organisations in addressing serious youth violence.
  • Support and Disengagement Strategies: Master strategies for supporting young people to disengage from violence, urban street gangs, and criminal activity.
  • Exit Strategy Development: Learn how to develop and implement various exit strategy models to support young people’s desistance from crime.
  • Community and Family Engagement: Develop skills to effectively engage and support young people, families, and communities to foster positive change.

Our courses will help you to improve:

Professional Development 

Your ongoing professional development, including any training or continued education you have received in relation to improving your practice with young people, families, and communities.

Experiences

Your own experiences, whether that is your own lived experience or your previous experiences of working with young people affected by these issues and how this may influence your practice.

Attributes

Your attributes and personal qualities, such as empathy, cultural sensitivity, and resilience, and how they impact their ability to work with young people affected by serious youth violence.

Knowledge

Your understanding of the causes and consequences of serious youth violence, as well as the various theories interventions and approaches that have been developed to address it.

Skills

Your skills & abilities in working with young people affected by serious youth violence, such as communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution & crisis management.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

These courses are designed as professional development aimed at individuals eager to develop their understanding in working with serious youth violence. It is ideal for:

  • Diverse Practitioners: This course prepares you for strategic, management, or frontline roles in various sectors, whether you’re currently working with young people or seeking a career change.
  • Inclusive Learning Environment: Suitable for a wide range of applicants, including those with no prior knowledge or experience in youth violence.
  • Individuals with Lived Experience: We welcome those with personal experiences of youth violence who want to use that understanding to support affected youth.
  • Experienced Professionals: Ideal for seasoned practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge & understanding.

Features of Our Distance Learning Courses:

  • Distance Learning: Study at your own pace through our virtual portal, with 12 months of access to content, resources, and assessments.
  • Interactive Learning Materials: Access pre-recorded webinars, case studies, quizzes, and exercises designed for real-world application.
  • CPD Certification: Receive professional certificates upon completion of each stage.
  • Expert Support: Engage with tutors who bring extensive knowledge and experience to guide your learning journey.

Become a Pivotal Force in Preventing Youth Violence:

  • Build Expertise and Confidence: Develop the specialised skills to address serious youth violence effectively, from foundational principles to advanced intervention strategies.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Choose between Distance Learning or Hybrid Learning formats to suit your schedule and learning style.
  • Certification: Earn a certificate upon completion, boosting your professional profile and demonstrating your expertise.
  • Immediate Application: Gain practical tools and insights that you can implement directly into your practice.
  • Support from Experts: Learn from experienced tutors and practitioners with real-world expertise in tackling youth violence.
    Comprehensive Learning
  • Pathway: Progress from foundational knowledge in Stage 1 to advanced practices in Stage 2.

Distance Learning Courses

Become a Specialist with our CPD 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 CPD 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

Unit Overview

Click on the module titles to reveal more details and deepen your understanding of each unit’s focus and outcomes.

This module explores how young people experience marginalisation, the effects it has on their lives, and the wider consequences for communities. Learners will also discover strategies to reduce exclusion, promote respect, and understand the principles of equity, equality, and oppression.

This module explores the complex relationship between youth violence, gang involvement, and mental health. Learners will gain insight into the signs of mental health challenges, their impact on individuals and communities, and the approaches and services that can provide effective support.

This module examines the social and cultural forces that contribute to youth violence and gang involvement, from media influences to family and community dynamics. Learners will explore identity, belonging, gender roles, and the wider social pressures that shape young people’s behaviours and risks.

This module develops the interpersonal and communication skills needed to work effectively with young people in complex or gang-affected environments. Learners will explore emotional intelligence, relationship-building, trust, respect, and communication strategies that foster positive change.

Each module is designed to not only provide theoretical knowledge but also practical applications, preparing participants for effective engagement and intervention in real-world scenarios.

Success Stories

What our Previous students have had to say about the course

Laura Brown

“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

“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!’ 

 

Organisations that have undertaken our courses: