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).

Lo…