The London Vanguard programme was developed to facilitate improved outcomes and a reduction of health inequalities among children and young people affected by violence and other adversity.
In 2021, NHS London commissioned three Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to pilot a new framework for children and young people affected by violence. The Community Multi-Systems Violence Reduction Programme (CMSVRP), better known as the Vanguard model, was developed according to the national framework for integrated care.
The Vanguard is being piloted across North Central, North East and South East London, inclusive of 13 London boroughs.
The Vanguard delivery model varies across each area according to local needs, but broadly speaking provide psychological support and mentorship to children and young people impacted by violence. The focus is on a community-based holistic model that is engaging to young people, and can link into mental health services where necessary. The young people who access Vanguard may have experienced violence at home, in their neighbourhood, or amongst peer groups, or may be at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. Young people may be dealing with existing stress, trauma and adversity from earlier childhood, or have existing undiagnosed neurodevelopmental needs such as ADHD or autism. In some cases, support is available to families as well as the young person.
The key to the success of the Vanguard is partnership work alongside Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, who support with providing equitable access to the service, as well as facilitating relationship building between young people and clinicians who care about improving their experience of navigating their health and mental wellbeing.
An independent evaluation of the first three year pilot of the London Vanguards has been published and can be accessed here.