London's VRU Boys, Young Men and Future Fathers Support Services

Research commissioned by the Greater London Authority on Understanding the Manosphere (2025) found that many boys and young men are navigating increasing uncertainty around identity, masculinity, purpose and belonging. Evidence suggests that social isolation, loneliness, limited access to trusted adults, and exposure to harmful online content can increase vulnerability to misogynistic and harmful online narratives. At the same time, research highlights that boys and young men are seeking guidance on issues such as relationships, identity, wellbeing and masculinity, often in online spaces that can expose them to harmful or misleading content.

Emerging evidence indicates that strengthening critical thinking, digital literacy and opportunities for open discussion and reflection can help young people to better understand, question and challenge harmful content and online influences. Research also demonstrates the importance of trusted relationships, positive male role models, supportive peer networks and meaningful offline spaces as protective factors that support healthy identity development, resilience, wellbeing and positive relationships. These opportunities can help boys and young men explore identity, belonging, relationships and different experiences and expressions of masculinity in safe and supportive environments.

This evidence sits within a broader context of concern about the impact of online misogyny and harmful online narratives on both boys and young men and on the safety and wellbeing of girls and young women. Research highlights increasing exposure to misogynistic content online, the role of algorithms in amplifying harmful narratives, and the importance of early intervention approaches that build critical thinking, digital literacy, emotional wellbeing and healthy relationship skills. Evidence also highlights the value of creating spaces where boys and young men can explore identity, belonging, relationships and masculinity, reflect on the influences shaping their views, and develop resilience to harmful online content and messaging In response, the Mayor has launched a programme of activity to challenge harmful online narratives and support boys and young men to develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of identity. In June 2026, the Mayor warned of the risk of a "lost generation of young men" if the growing influence of harmful online content is left unchecked, announcing a package of interventions to strengthen support for boys and young men at home, in schools and across communities. The Mayor's polling found that only 15% of Londoners believe boys and young men have access to enough positive role models, reinforcing the need for investment in trusted adults, mentoring and positive influences.

The VRU is leading the development of this programme of interventions. Through mentoring, workforce development, support for fathers and carers, and preventative work in education settings, the programme aims to strengthen critical thinking and digital literacy, increase access to positive male role models and trusted adults, support boys and young men to explore identity, belonging, relationships and masculinity, and reduce vulnerability to exploitation, violence and harmful online influences.

Purpose of this Market Engagement

The VRU is undertaking preliminary market engagement to inform the design of a future procurement opportunity. We are seeking views from organisations with relevant experience to help shape service specifications, delivery models, outcomes frameworks, partnership approaches and indicative costs.

Engagement will take place through:

• Market Engagement Questionnaires
• Supplier Information Sessions

Feedback received will be used solely to inform commissioning and procurement planning and will not form part of any future bid evaluation process. Participation in this exercise is voluntary and does not provide any advantage in any future procurement.

Scope of delivery

The programme will be structured into three complementary lots:

Lot 1 – Intensive Mentoring in Care Settings

Delivery Focus

The VRU is seeking market insight on the provision of intensive, relationship-based mentoring for boys and young men in care settings. The service is intended to strengthen protective factors through trusted adult relationships and sustained support, helping young people to develop confidence, resilience, identity, relationship skills and their understanding of different models of masculinity.

Target Cohort

The primary target group is boys and young men who are:

•Looked-after children;

•Care experienced;

•Living in residential care, foster care or semi-independent accommodation;

•Affected by violence, exploitation or social exclusion;

•Involved with, or at risk of involvement with, youth justice services and/or the probation service.

Indicative Service Requirements

The VRU is interested in delivery approaches that may include:

•Intensive one-to-one mentoring;

•Relationship-based support delivered through trusted adult relationships;

•Support to explore identity, belonging and self-esteem;

•Emotional wellbeing and resilience;

•Exploration of relationships, identity and different models of masculinity;

•Critical thinking and resilience to harmful online influences;

•Aspirations, life skills and preparation for adulthood and future fatherhood;

•Light-touch advocacy and support to navigate services and systems;

•Effective partnership working with social care, education, health, youth justice service, the probation service and other relevant statutory and multi-agency partners.

The service should complement, rather than duplicate statutory provision and maintain continuity of support wherever possible.

Indicative Value and Duration

•Estimated contract value: up to £400,000 for the initial term + £423,048 for an optional 24 month total extension (in yearly increments)

•Anticipated commencement: January 2027

•Anticipated duration: approximately 18 - 24 months (subject to final approvals and procurement design).

Lot 2 – Training for Fathers and Care Providers

Delivery Focus

The VRU is seeking market insight on specialist training and capacity-building support for fathers, male carers, foster carers and residential care staff who play an important role in the lives of boys and young men. The aim is to strengthen the confidence, skills and capability of trusted adults to support boys and young men as they navigate identity, relationships, online influences and key life transitions.

Target Cohort

The service is expected to engage:

•Fathers and father figures;

•Male foster and kinship carers;

•Residential children's home staff;

•Semi-independent accommodation staff;

•Other adults with significant caring responsibilities for care-experienced boys and young men.

Indicative Service Requirements

The VRU is interested in approaches that may include:

•Structured learning and development programmes;

•Workshops, coaching and peer-learning models;

•Resources and practical tools to support ongoing learning;

•Support to facilitate conversations about identity, relationships and models of masculinity;

•Training on recognising and responding to harmful online influences and manosphere content;

•Critical thinking and digital literacy;

•Understanding the role of trusted adults and positive male influences;

•Embedding learning within everyday care practice and support planning.

Providers should demonstrate how learning can lead to sustainable changes in practice and strengthen the support network around boys and young men.

Indicative Value and Duration

•Estimated contract value: Up to £138,127 for the initial term + £146,015 for an optional 24 month total extension (in yearly increments)

•Anticipated commencement: January 2027

•Anticipated duration: Approximately 18 - 24 months (subject to final approvals and procurement design).

Lot 3 – Supporting Boys and Young Men in Education Settings

Delivery Focus

The VRU is seeking market insight on a preventative programme supporting boys and young men in education settings. The programme is intended to provide opportunities for young people to explore identity, belonging, relationships and different models of masculinity, whilst increasing resilience to harmful online influences and strengthening protective factors within education settings.

Target Cohort

The primary delivery settings are expected to include:

•Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)/Alternative Provision (AP) settings;

•Mainstream secondary schools linked to participating PRUs and APs;

•Boys and young men experiencing social isolation, educational disengagement, vulnerability to exploitation or exposure to harmful online narratives.

Indicative Service Requirements

The VRU is interested in delivery models that combine direct work with boys and young men alongside workforce development activity. Potential elements may include:

•Group-based interventions for boys and young men;

•Workshops exploring identity, belonging and models of masculinity;

•Emotional wellbeing and resilience activities;

•Relationships education and communication skills;

•Critical thinking and digital literacy;

•Exploration of online influences, online harms and harmful narratives;

•Preventative intervention within feeder mainstream schools;

•Workforce development, resources and capacity-building support for school staff.

The programme should build on existing safeguarding, RSHE, PSHE and pastoral systems and support schools to develop confidence in facilitating conversations around identity, relationships, masculinity and online influences.

Indicative Value and Duration

•Estimated contract value: Up to £300,000 for the initial term + £150,000 for an optional 12 month extension

•Anticipated commencement: January 2027

•Anticipated duration: January 2027 to July 2028.