Social value within police contracting is helping expand the success of the GYM youth van; a proven impact via a mobile hub of resources, mentorship, and safe space directly into neighbourhoods.
The impact? It helps young people and residents to connect, learn, and grow.
The GYM initiative is built into police buying within Warwickshire, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley and is fostering community connections and future opportunities by meeting youth where they live; offering programs that inspire positive choices.
Suppliers to police in these areas can now contract social value which helps empower young people at risk of exploitation, violence and crime whilst strengthening the community.
Support One, Two or Three Vans
Each area's GYM van will provide a versatile new platform for educational workshops, job-readiness training, mental-health check-ins, arts and recreation, and one-on-one mentoring—helping to create safer, stronger neighbourhood.
The 3 police forces are connecting their business suppliers' social value to help buy, outfit and operate the van deep inside communities - some suppliers can help with technology, staffing or procuring supplies so each van can serve as a consistent, reliable presence.
As a mobile support system, the "GYM Youth Van" enables lasting change by bringing services directly to areas with limited access, reducing barriers to participation and fostering inclusion. Connect, mentor, and inspire—this is a call to fuel the Youth Van and transform lives through tangible engagement and presence.
Each van can uplift an entire community; by suppliers can join stakeholders in deploying a mobile solution to help create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and motivated. Bringing needed resources to where they’re outreach becomes timely and relevant, meeting immediate needs while building long-term relationships.