LVN is a platform for social change helping disadvantaged youth access professional networks
London Village Network (LVN) is a grassroots charity dedicated to social equality and community cohesion. LVN believes that it takes a village to raise a child. In helping professionals volunteer an hour of their time, we bring components of the village community together to make a change to the lives of vulnerable young people.
Our Mission
To change the life paths of the most vulnerable, especially care leavers, those caught in the criminal system and all those growing up in deprived communities. All young people should be entitled to good networks.
Why the community needs us
LVN provides services that have been developed in direct response to the ever growing social needs and issues effecting youth aged 14-24. At least 70% of jobs are not advertised and youth are facing the "toughest job market in a generation" (Institute of Employment Studies). One in 10 16-25 year olds have already lost their jobs due to Covid-19 according to the Centre for Economic Performance. Our programmes and support have never been more crucial for the young people dealing with such challenging times.
Our impact on the community
LVN worked with behaviour scientists at Ogilvy Change and educationalists to create programmes that maximise the benefit of one hour of time – we call this The Power of an Hour. Feedback and collaboration from young people has also informed the development of the bespoke programmes and services that we offer in the community.
Although one hour might not seem much, our theory of change states that an average of 10 interactions between a young person and professional adults outside their usual network is enough to change their life path.
In order to coordinate LVN's efforts on the ground we have created a bespoke
LVN App. The LVN App brings together young people, parents, youth leaders, community workers, working professionals, service providers & local businesses. The signposting part of the app ensures that young people are aware of all the support available and enables them to build industry insight and knowhow.
Power of an Hour volunteers willing to share their skills and industry knowledge with local youth who would otherwise lack access to such networks. Professionals can sign-up to volunteer their hour here: https://www.lvn.org.uk/volunteers/
