Empowering Youth: Launch of the Trusted Adults Programme for Young People
Groundwork is thrilled to announce the launch of the Trusted Youth Allies, a pioneering pan London initiative aimed at providing essential support and guidance to young victims of crime aged between 7-25 years old through a coordinated network of trained trusted adults who have relationships with these young people.
Commissioned by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and delivered by Groundwork London the Trusted Allies Programmes recognises the vital role that trusted adults play in the lives of young people providing them with safe and brave spaces to discuss their concerns, seek advice and receive timely emotional interventions.

Commissioned by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and delivered by Groundwork London the Trusted Allies Programmes recognises the vital role that trusted adults play in the lives of young people providing them with safe and brave spaces to discuss their concerns, seek advice and receive timely emotional interventions.
The Trusted Allies offers a unique approach by fostering open communication between young people and adults specifically around being able to respond and support young people who have experienced crime. It brings together a diverse group of individuals, including parents/carers, educators, community leaders, social workers, and family friends, who are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. By providing training for trusted adults, they will feel more confident in holding conversations and sensitive disclosure by young victims of crime.
The program will provide FREE workshops, resources, and events using trauma-informed practices to upskill Trusted Adults.
The programme will focus on several key areas, including:
- Skill Development: Offering workshops and resources that equip trusted adults with effective communication skills, active listening techniques, and the ability to provide trauma informed responses to sensitive conversations
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with schools, community leaders, and embedded local organisations to expand the reach of the programme and create a supportive ecosystem for young people.
- Digital Resources: Providing online platforms and resources that facilitate remote interactions between trusted adults and youth, catering to the evolving digital landscape.
Trusted Youth Allies launched in August 2023. More information, enquiries and registration for trusted adults are open and available at this link. The Trusted Youth Allies’ website and first training sessions will be released in October 2023.

The new project is to be rolled out in Croydon, Enfield, Newham, Lambeth and Southwark, these areas were chosen as they have “high youth victimisation and low trust in the police” and are therefore “more unlikely to report crime”, according to the Mayor of London’s office.
“I’m determined to do everything I can to keep young people safe,” added the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
“This new pilot in key London boroughs seeks to give young people the chance to speak to a trusted adult when they or someone they know becomes or is at risk of being a victim of crime.”
Obadiah Emaru, Programme Manager, Trusted Youth Allies by Groundwork London said:
“We are excited to embark on this journey of empowerment and transformation, strengthening our communities and making a lasting difference in the lives of young people impacted by crime. By equipping trusted adults with essential skills like active listening, emotional support, and guidance techniques, we aim to foster a compassionate and supportive environment for those in need.”


