The Centre for Young Lives and Agenda Alliance have published a briefing on how the government’s Young Futures Hubs can support young women and girls in England, tackling VAWG, improving mental health outcomes, and widening access to opportunity. It looks at how girls experience risks differently and sets out principles for the implementation of the Young Futures programme, including:

Create a single, trusted front door for support: Hubs should bring together education, health, youth justice and community services, with strong referral pathways. For girls, this includes links to CAMHS, sexual assault services, schools and VAWG support organisations.

Reach those most at risk: Hubs should use proactive outreach to engage underserved groups, including girls, minoritised young people and those at risk of exploitation or exclusion.

Deliver high-quality, specialist support: Hubs should offer skilled staff and strong partnerships with specialist girls’ and VAWG services to provide trauma-informed, tailored support.

Ensure services are gender-informed: Girls’ needs should be considered throughout planning and delivery, with dedicated support and safe spaces where needed.