London Violence Reduction Unit Tertiary Service Recommission for Young People Affected by Violence and Exploitation

The London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is recommissioning the Violence and Exploitation Support Service (VESS), a redesigned tertiary intervention for young people aged 11 to 25 living in London who are experiencing established, escalating, or entrenched violence and exploitation. The service will operate as a pan-London offering with strengthened local delivery through cluster-based arrangements, providing intensive, relationship-based support delivered by dedicated lead practitioners. The provider partnership will deliver core specialist casework alongside specialist pathways in housing support, mental health and therapeutic services, education and employment navigation, SEND and neurodiversity expertise, family support, and transitional safeguarding for young adults. The service will incorporate trauma-informed practice, cultural competence, and lived experience perspectives, with particular focus on girls and young women, young people with complex needs, and those least likely to access traditional services. A county lines rescue and relocation capability is expected to be retained. Contract Value: Up to £11,493,534 excl. VAT. Contract Duration: 1 June 2027 – 31 May 2029 with an option to extend to 31 May 2030. Mobilisation period: March to May 2027. This is a flagship tertiary intervention combining core casework with specialist expertise through a team-around-the-worker approach.