PROJECT

SFSC Safer Lives Programme

Tackling youth violence with stronger families

A Black family (dad, older sister, younger brother and toddler, and mum) playing together around a table in the living room.

The SFSC Safer Lives programme is a targeted parenting programme, adapted from the Race Equality Foundation’s evidenced-based Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) model.

Our approach

Trauma-informed, ethnically and culturally sensitive, the programme is designed to support families where a young person is at risk of offending, or youth violence. It aims to reduce offending by strengthening family relationships, increasing parental confidence and promoting young people’s self-discipline, social competencies and self-esteem.

Who the programme supports

Families where a young person (aged 11-18) is at risk of offending or youth violence. See below for more information about eligibility.

Next phase

The next stage of the programme will be delivered from April 2026 – February 2028 alongside an evaluation funded by the Youth Endowment Fund’s (YEF) Supportive Home programme.

Help improve youth safety through research: Join our research team

Peer Researcher (3 positions available)

Do you have lived experience of youth violence or being at risk? We need your voice to shape and deliver this programme.

By lived experience, we mean real-life understanding. This could include being a young person who has faced harm or risk, or someone who has supported others through similar experiences.

What you’ll do:

  • Connect authentically with young people on the programme
  • Help collect data and insights that matter
  • Use your real-world experience to inform how we support families
  • Shape research that actually reflects young people’s realities
  • Make a genuine difference in your community

What you’ll gain:

  • Paid role with full training provided
  • Research skills and experience
  • Professional references
  • Chance to influence youth violence prevention

Ready to learn more?

Read the Job Description. You can also join one of our information sessions.

Information Sessions:

Or arrange a one-to-one chat with our project lead, Leandra Box

Watch our short video explainer here:

Apply now

To apply, complete a short form and send us a brief statement about why you’re interested in this role (written, video or voice note). No CVs needed.

Application Form

For Professionals: Delivery Roles

Parent Programme Officers (3 positions available)

We’re recruiting experienced professionals to deliver this vital programme.

Your role will include:

  • Engaging and supporting families throughout the programme
  • Collecting baseline data and monitoring progress
  • Co-facilitating programme sessions
  • Coordinating with peer researchers and partner organisations
  • Building trusted relationships with families facing complex challenges

What we’re looking for:

  • Experience working with families affected by youth violence or offending
  • Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Commitment to culturally sensitive practice

Apply now:

Visit our ‘Work for us’ page for full job descriptions and application details.

The deadline to apply is Monday 10th November at 5pm.

Families supported by the SFSC Safer Lives programme

The SFSC Safer Lives programme is designed to support families where a young person (aged 11-18) is: 

  • Involved in, or at risk of, offending behaviours (such as assault, robbery, drug sales, or online harm) or youth violence. 
  • In contact with youth justice services, or 
  • Identified by schools, police, or community organisations as at risk

Families will be referred by: Youth Offending Teams; Schools; or Police. Our goal is to reach families earlier in the risk pathway, before youth violence becomes entrenched.

Programme details

The pilot phase (launching April 2026), will involve 80 families across five delivery sites, four in London, one in Manchester. Each site covers 2-3 local authorities. The full programme and study, running from April 2026 to February 2028, will involve up to 600 participants.

About the evaluation

The SFSC Safer Lives programme will undergo rigorous independent evaluation funded by the Youth Endowment Fund’s Supportive Home programme.

Background 

The SFSC Safer Lives programme is adapted from the our Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) parenting programme, which has successfully been delivered to diverse communities across the UK. To learn more, click here.

Media enquiries

For press information, interview requests, or research collaboration enquiries, please contact Lauren Golding at comms@racefound.org.uk.