Peer Outreach Workers

POWs are made up of 30 young Londoners aged 15-25, from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. The Mayor commissions them to engage, inspire and gather opinions of other young people in the capital. Their work helps shape policies, strategies and services.

''Through the action of young Londoners comes real change''

POWs were set up in 2006.

At any one time, POWs can lead on up to 10 pan-London projects, including:

• engaging with young people directly
• piloting new approaches
• working with existing organisations to improve young people's engagement
• evaluating programmes or services.

POWs emphasise to decision-makers how important it is to involve children and young people in policies and strategies. “We aspire to inspire”.

Much of their work focuses on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

POWs aim to tackle various issues young Londoners face, including (but not limited to):

• training and work experience
• health, mental health and well-being
• challenging discrimination
• giving all young Londoners a voice.

If you want to get involved or find out more, get in touch by emailing [email protected]

The below Children and Young People as Partners Handbook was designed to give practitioners an easy way to find out about POWs, and how best to work with them. Co-designed by POW members, it details ways of working and past successes, plus a lot more.