Voluntary Sector Children & Youth Forum
From 1 April 2025 the contract to deliver the Voluntary Sector Children and Youth Forum will pass from Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets to Tower Hamlets CVS. Alex Nelson, who has managed this contract on behalf of the Volunteer Centre since 2009, has been a tireless advocate for children and young people in Tower Hamlets for the last 16 years and we want to thank her for her hard work and for the impact she has had. She will be a tough act to follow.
The Voluntary Sector Children & Youth Forum (VSCYF) is a space for voluntary and community groups who provide services to children and young people to come together, talk and find out more about issues, opportunities and funding. Council representatives also attend with the aim of collaborative working and updating about developments. Meetings are held about every three months as necessary. You can sign up to take part in the VSCYF here.
The VSCYF sends out a monthly bulletin. To join the mailing list click here.
Notes from previous meetings
Upcoming events:
DBS Training- Sharpen your safeguarding skills
Looking to strengthen your knowledge of barring and legal duty to refer? Join our interactive training sessions designed to give you practical skills and confidence in safeguarding practice.
1 / Barring and Legal Duty to Refer
Wednesday 5 November /10.00 to 11.30 am / Online.
- The three different referral routes.
- When a DBS Barring referral should be made, including when the legal duty is met.
- How to make a good quality referral.
2 / DBS Training – Disclosure and Eligibility
Tuesday 11 November: 10:00 to 11.30am / Online.
- What might be disclosed on a DBS check?
- Understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, including levels of check and workforce.
- How “regulated activity” with children and adults is defined and what this means in practice.
- Practical exercises about applying eligibility for relevant roles.
For more information, email sheba.choudhury@thcvs.org.uk.
Voluntary Sector Children & Youth Forum
Tuesday 16 December / 11.30am to 1.00pm / Meath Gardens Family Hub, 1 Smart Street, Bethnal Green, E2 0SN.
On 16 December 2025 the theme is SEND, and the agenda is currently being developed around SEND Family and young persons support.
This is a great opportunity for organisations and individuals working with children and young people in Tower Hamlets to:
- Share updates and challenges
- Collaborate on joint funding tacking key issues arising
- Hear from guest speakers and commissioners
- Discuss priorities for the sector
Council representatives also attend with the aim of collaborative working and updating about developments. Meetings are held about every three months as necessary.
Whether you’re a small local group or part of a larger organisation, your voice matters—so join us!
For more information, email sheba.choudhury@thcvs.org.uk.