Aim & Who
Game of Life is a youth-created programme for Key Stage 3 young people (ages 11–14), delivered in schools across London and Birmingham. Designed to support young people during the transition from primary to secondary school, it uses immersive games, role-play and real-life scenarios to help participants navigate complex social situations around respect, equality, consent and confidence. Sessions are co-created with young people, teachers and parents to reflect real-life experiences and ensure cultural relevance within each school community.

Why it’s needed
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a national concern, with 1 in 2 women experiencing harassment, often beginning in early adolescence. Schools report increasing use of harmful language and unhealthy peer norms among younger students. Young people tell us, “We hear things that don’t feel right, but we don’t always know how to challenge them.” The transition into secondary school is a critical stage where attitudes and behaviours are formed, yet preventative education at this age remains limited.

Impact
Through weekly immersive sessions, young people practise decision-making in safe, structured environments, learning to challenge harmful behaviours and support one another. Participants develop empathy, confidence and a stronger understanding of consent and respect. Success is seen when young people speak up, question harmful norms and make safer, more respectful choices. By embedding trained Social Change Coaches within schools, Game of Life becomes part of the school culture, shaping values early and helping to build safer, more respectful communities.