The 16 Days of Activism campaign, led by the United Nations, runs from Monday 25 November to Tuesday 10 December. The first day of the campaign is also White Ribbon Day. Both campaigns aim to raise awareness and call for action to end violence against women and girls. This year’s White Ribbon Day theme, #ItStartsWithMen, focuses on gender equality and the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to the fear of violence for women.
Services for Young People (SfYP) is committed to promoting healthy relationships, safety and equality, working towards a future free from violence for everyone. SfYP youth work programmes, delivered across Hertfordshire, help young people stay safe, develop healthy relationships, understand respect and equality, challenge harmful gender stereotypes and make positive choices.
Our programmes include:
Positive Alternatives
Interactive sessions led by Youth Workers for young people who are at risk of becoming involved with gangs and crime. These workshops focus on risks and consequences, and motivate young people to consider alternatives, helping them learn about keeping themselves safe and making positive choices. Topics covered include identity and belonging, gang culture, stereotypes and gender, violence, responsibilities, county lines and knife crime.
Reach Out
Supporting young people at risk of exploitation or showing early signs of harmful risk-taking behaviour, this programme aims to prevent these risks from escalating and supports young people in making positive changes in their lives. It focuses emotional wellbeing, resilience, relationships, setting boundaries, making healthy lifestyle choices and building a network of support.
Healthy Relationships
Delivered as single-gender or mixed group sessions, this programme raises young people’s awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and explores what makes a relationship healthy and safe. Key topics include emotional wellbeing, staying safe online, making healthy choices, and protective behaviours, encouraging them to explore their own experiences and learn from peers in a supportive space.
Positive Pathways
For young people involved in or at risk of crime and antisocial behaviour, this programme offers guidance and action plans to help them overcome challenges and develop positive habits. It addresses issues such as challenging behaviour, association with peers involved in crime, and personal issues related to crime and antisocial behaviour, including carrying a weapon and substance misuse.
SfYP also runs single-gender projects, focusing on developing life skills and building self-esteem, confidence and resilience. They address issues such as body image, healthy relationships, stereotypes, and positive role models as young people transition into adulthood.
At our 11-5 projects at SfYP young people’s centres, young people can receive one-to-one support on health, relationships, personal safety and more. Our qualified Youth Workers and Advisers are available to listen, identify, address, and respond to any concerns about gender-based violence, and help young people find further support if needed.
See the youth work projects running in your district
