Previous LPAC research showed that for many young people violence is seen as an inevitable, routine and normal part of their lives. However, young people also told us that when they had access to safe spaces outside of school and could reach out to trusted adults or peers, they felt protected from violence. The young people who led this research highlighted that better understanding was needed on whether and how access to such spaces could reduce exposure to violence.  

After designing a research question and research methods, the LPAC team carried out 46 in-depth peer interviews with young people who live or access services in Lambeth. The interviews explored the ways in which the spaces, adults and opportunities provided by youth organisations impact young people’s experiences of violence and can act as protective factors.