VRU – Provision of Hospital Based Youth Work Services

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is seeking providers to deliver Hospital-Based Youth Work services across 10 London hospital sites, with service delivery due to begin in April 2027.

The service will place specialist youth workers within Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments to support young people aged 11–25 affected by violence, exploitation, sexual violence and other safeguarding concerns.

Youth workers will provide immediate emotional and practical support when young people present at participating hospitals, using this critical “reachable moment” to help them recover from trauma, reduce the risk of future harm and connect with ongoing community-based support.

Service Requirements

The programme will support young people aged 11–25 who attend participating hospitals as victims, or suspected victims, of:

• Violence
• Exploitation
• Sexual violence
• Other safeguarding risks

Providers will be expected to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed youth work across hospital and community settings.

The service aims to:

• Reduce violence and exploitation
• Improve young people’s safety and wellbeing
• Increase access to positive opportunities and support
• Reduce hospital re-attendance associated with violence
• Reduce offending and reoffending

Providers must demonstrate strong local knowledge and effective partnership working. Partnership and consortium bids are encouraged.

Lots Available

The commission is divided into four geographical lots covering 10 hospital sites.

Lot 1 – Hospital Site – East London

This lot covers:

• Royal London Hospital – Major Trauma Centre
• Newham University Hospital – A&E
• Homerton University Hospital – A&E

The lot covers communities across East London and includes a Major Trauma Centre receiving some of London’s most serious violence-related injuries.

Estimated Lot Value: £3,378,034.37 including VAT

Contract Dates: 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2029, with an optional extension of up to 24 months in yearly increments to 31 March 2031.

Lot 2 – Hospital Site – North London

This lot covers:

• St Mary’s Hospital – Major Trauma Centre
• North Middlesex University Hospital – A&E

The service will support young people affected by violence across North London through a regional trauma centre and local A&E setting.

Estimated Lot Value: £2,252,022.91 including VAT

Contract Dates: 1 January 2027 to 31 March 2029, with an optional extension of up to 24 months in yearly increments to 31 March 2031.

Lot 3 – Hospital Site – Central & South East London

This lot covers:

• King’s College Hospital – Major Trauma Centre
• University Hospital Lewisham – A&E
• St Thomas’ Hospital – A&E

The lot is intended to support continuity of care across central and south-east London, reflecting the movement of young people between hospitals and their communities.

Estimated Lot Value: £3,378,034.37 including VAT

Contract Dates: 1 January 2027 to 31 August 2029, with an optional extension to 31 March 2031.

Lot 4 – Hospital Site: South West & South London

This lot covers:

• St George’s Hospital – Major Trauma Centre
• Croydon University Hospital – A&E

The service will support young people across south and south-west London, including those presenting with high-acuity trauma associated with serious violence.

Estimated Lot Value: £2,252,022.91 including VAT

Contract Dates: 1 January 2027 to 31 August 2029, with an optional extension to 31 March 2031.

Contract Information

Buyer: Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime

Enquiry Deadline: 1 September 2026 at 1:00pm

Deadline: 22 September 2026 at 1:00pm

Contract Value: £11,260,114.56 including VAT (estimated)

Delivery Length: Contract periods vary by lot, with service delivery commencing in April 2027 and potential extensions to 31 March 2031

Estimated Award Decision Date: 1 November 2026

Procedure: Open procedure

Special Regime: Light touch

Tender Link: Access the tender opportunity

Tenders may be submitted electronically and submissions must be made in English.

Evaluation Criteria

The procurement will be evaluated on:

• Quality – 100%

The opportunity is identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Specific CQC, Ofsted or other regulatory registration requirements are not disclosed in the information provided.

The commission represents a significant opportunity for youth work organisations to deliver trauma-informed support at the point when young people affected by violence and exploitation arrive at London hospitals. The four-lot structure also creates opportunities for providers with strong local knowledge and partnerships across different areas of the capital.

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