During this financial year, On The Verge has delivered a comprehensive programme of presentational workshops and group work sessions to young people, parents, carers and professionals across Yorkshire. Our work continues to focus on early intervention, prevention and safeguarding, using the power of lived experience to challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding exploitation, knife crime and gang culture. We have supported young people to recognise risks, understand consequences and make informed decisions. By de glamourising gang involvement and violence, our sessions created safe spaces for honest conversations and encouraged young people to reflect on their influences, environments and future choices. A key priority this year has been developing critical thinking and resilience among children and young people. These skills help them navigate peer pressure, manage emotional triggers and make positive lifestyle decisions both in education and in the wider community. Alongside youth delivery, On The Verge has strengthened its impact through professional development sessions for teachers, parents, carers, social workers, youth workers and local authorities. These workshops enhanced professional understanding of exploitation, trauma and youth culture, equipping practitioners with the confidence and tools needed to support at risk young people effectively. Workshops Delivered Primary (Ages 8–11) Core: Weapons Awareness, Gangs Additional: Behaviour, Online Safety, Choice Time Adventure, Healthy Relationships, Joint Enterprise, Positive & Negative Influences, Positive Navigation, Reflect & Learn Secondary (Ages 11+) Core: County Lines, Gangs, Girl Gangs, Knife Crime, Realities of Prison Additional: Glamourisation of Music, Joint Enterprise, Online Safety, Conflict Resolution, Impulsive & Risky Behaviour, Positive & Negative Peers, Healthy Relationships, Confidence & Resilience, Decision Making Professional Sessions County Lines, Trauma Informed Practice, Online Safety, Glamourisation of Music, Recognising & Responding to Child Exploitation Impact For Young People Increased awareness of exploitation, gang involvement and criminal risk Improved ability to identify unsafe situations and seek support Greater confidence in making positive lifestyle choices Stronger understanding of peer influence and online risks Empowerment to challenge harmful norms and support peers For Professionals, Parents & Carers Enhanced understanding of the factors influencing young people’s decisions Increased confidence in recognising early warning signs of exploitation Access to practical tools and resources to support vulnerable young people Improved communication and engagement strategies Overall Contribution This year, On The Verge has continued to play a vital role in safeguarding young people, supporting families and strengthening professional practice across Yorkshire. Through lived experience, education and early intervention, we have helped create safer communities and empowered young people to make healthier, more positive choices.

Throughout the last financial year, On The Verge has collaborated alongside: Leeds City Council Mayor Safer Community Fund 90-Minute Project – West Yorkshire Police Bradford Youth Service West Leeds Activity Centre North Yorkshire LS-TEN Through our work with over 200,000 children and young people, alongside schools, parents and professionals across Leeds and West Yorkshire, we have seen a significant increase in children presenting with anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, behavioural difficulties and poor attendance. Schools regularly tell us that children are arriving with increasingly complex needs at a much younger age, while families are often struggling to access timely support. The children we work with tell us they want trusted adults who listen to them, opportunities to talk openly about their worries and support to manage challenges both in and out of school. Many describe feeling unheard, disconnected or lacking confidence in themselves and their abilities. Summary feedback collated from these workshops are: KS2: Facilitator impact: Marcus is highly regarded as an inspirational, engaging, and relatable speaker who manages to hold the room's attention effectively. Content quality: The sessions are perceived as informative, thought-provoking, and highly relevant, with content that successfully resonates with pupils and addresses sensitive topics in an impactful, age-appropriate manner. Student engagement: Pupils are enthusiastic about the sessions, with many requesting return visits, while one respondent suggested incorporating more opportunities for student interaction and group discussion to further enhance the learning experience. KS3/4: Facilitator engagement and impact: Speakers were praised for their relatable, honest, and authoritative delivery styles, which effectively captured student attention and fostered meaningful conversations about the risks of gangs and grooming. Content quality: The material was described as highly informative and accessible, with successful adaptations made for different age groups. Logistical recommendations: While the sessions were generally well-received, feedback suggests that smaller group settings would be more effective than large assemblies for nuanced topics, and that proper amplification is essential for large-venue presentations. Program improvement: There is interest in extending the interactive components of the sessions, specifically by increasing the pressure in mock-grooming scenarios to further illustrate the difficulty of escaping exploitative situations. Professional: Content Quality: The session was highly informative, providing valuable insights and stimulating debate regarding County Lines. Facilitation: Carl was praised for his approachable, fun, and entertaining delivery style, which significantly enhanced the learning experience. On The Verge has used the feedback provide by collaboration to assure the workshops are beneficial to all participants involved, being young people, professional, parents and careers. We are also in the process of engaging in more work within the community alongside the current impact within education settings.

No remuneration was received

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