Youth Justice – National Ugly Mugs

Youth Justice Project

With generous support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, NUM will dedicate the next three years to increasing our engaging with young adults (18–25) and leading activities that visibilise their needs and priorities; improves safety and rights; and advance health, wellbeing, and social justice.

Since 2020, more young adults have been accessing NUM services. In a recent subsample of NUM members, over 50% are under 30. In 2024, 45% (n=1,130) of members receiving direct support through casework, drop-ins, events, and vocational services were under 30.

Meet the Youth Justice Project Lead

Hi, I’m Ella! I’m the Youth Justice Lead. I’ve worked for NUM for over 2 years, originally as a Vocational Delivery and Development Assistant where I supported the Vocational Support Service to develop and deliver an initiative that allows sex workers to explore diverse career options. I progressed to a Victim Support Caseworker: Vocational Specialist, providing one-to-one emotional and practical support for sex workers whilst also allowing them the autonomy to explore their vocational options in a non-judgemental and supportive environment.

I am now absolutely thrilled to be in post as the Youth Justice Lead at NUM, where we can now customise and develop existing services to have a focus on young sex workers and provide them with the opportunity to co-produce, as we know change starts with opening the conversation up to those directly affected.

Check out our Meet the Team page for more info on Ella’s work with National Ugly Mugs!

To get in touch about Youth Justice at NUM, contact youthjustice@nationaluglymugs.org

Project Aims

Youth leadership: paid roles and real decision-making power.
Youth wisdom: toolkits, talks, eLearning, policy briefings, media, and research platforms to share lived experience.
Youth influence: embed youth perspectives in national strategies and student policy discussions.
Youth Voice: campaigns to challenge stigma and poverty and improve safety.
Youth-led partnerships: work with universities and student unions to boost awareness, rights, and violence prevention.
Youth-led service design: expand digital and in-person services and enhance emergency and casework tailored to young adults.

Young adults from diverse backgrounds, especially those facing structural, interpersonal, and intersectional violence, will shape NUM’s work and influence decision-makers across sectors that affect their safety, opportunities, and life-chances.