What is RF4?

“Youth work is about relationships, RF4 is a framework that wraps around youth work, one of its benefits is clarity. At Vibe UK we use the RF4 approach”

Paul Oginsky CEO Vibe UK

  • RF4 underpins Vibe’s youth work practice

  • RF4 shapes Vibe’s programme design and delivery

  • RF4 helps Vibe to build strong partnerships

  • RF4 has revitalised funding for Vibe by offering a new way of showcasing youth work – a way that can be understood by all.

At Vibe we strongly believe that sharing RF4 with the sector is the key to sustainable growth for youth work across the UK.

Youth Work at Vibe

Vibe’s Youth Work is synonymous with RF4 at every level. Guided by RF4, our programmes are designed to nurture positive relationships, beginning with the relationship young people have with themselves. By understanding these relationships, we foster a sense of belonging and well-being, while helping young people identify both the opportunities and barriers that shape their future.

RF4: The 4 Levels of Relationships

  • We start by supporting young people to build positive relationships with themselves - improving their self-esteem and self-awareness. Helping young people to be happier and more confident.

  • We equip young people with the skills to empathise and communicate well with those around them - to feel confident in how they interact, and to build positive relationships with friends and family members.

  • We encourage and enable young people to help those around them to build and maintain positive relationships with each other.

  • Young People develop a sense of belonging and purpose and play a central role in creating vibrant communities.

How RF4 works:

  • Core Idea

    RF4 is based on the belief that relationships are central to young people’s growth and development. Youth work, by its very nature, is relationship-focused, which makes it uniquely effective in helping young people develop the skills and resilience they need to thrive.

  • Key Principles of RF4

    The Importance of Relationships:

    Research shows that strong, positive relationships are crucial for personal growth and success. RF4 emphasises this as a foundation for youth work.

  • A safe and supportive space

    Youth work offers a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space in which to develop the socio-emotional skills needed for effective relationships at all levels.

  • Youth Work’s Unique Value

    RF4 demonstrates that youth workers are best equipped to support young people because of their relational practice, which builds trust and empowers young people to develop critical life skills.

  • Simplifies the Message

    RF4 makes it easy to explain what youth work is and why it matters. It uses clear, relatable language to connect with funders who may not be familiar with the sector.

  • Supports Practice

    RF4 helps youth workers design, deliver, and evaluate their work effectively, ensuring consistency and clarity across the sector.

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  • Attracts Investment

    By aligning youth work outcomes with the goals of funders (like improving mental health, reducing crime, or increasing educational attainment), RF4 creates a compelling case for investment.

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How RF4 Helps

For Youth Work Organisations - RF4 provides a shared approach that strengthens their ability to advocate for funding and demonstrate their impact.

For Funders - It gives funders a clear understanding of the value of youth work and how it can achieve their priorities.

For the Sector - It builds a unified voice, helping youth work grow and thrive, even in challenging funding environments. .

Why It’s Effective

RF4 doesn’t try to reinvent youth work. Instead, it packages existing ideas and practices in a way that resonates with modern funding and policy priorities. By focusing on relationships and outcomes, it positions youth work as an essential service that benefits young people, communities, and society as a whole. Vibe is already seeing success with RF4, using it to secure funding and expand the reach of youth work programs, turning the tide from cuts to renewed investment in the sector.

RF4 Explained

With RF4, Vibe is redefining and promoting the value of youth work, ensuring it receives the funding and support it deserves. RF4 was developed in response to years of funding cuts and a lack of understanding among decision-makers about the importance of youth work. Its goal is to make the case for youth work in a way that resonates with funders and stakeholders outside the sector.

RF4 THEORY OF CHANGE (RF4-TOC)

RF4 THEORY OF CHANGE (RF4-TOC)

The report also explains how Vibe’s RF4-TOC enhances Vibe’s youth provision. By focusing on the impact of positive, healthy relationships, RF4-TOC reinforces the importance of relationship-building across the four levels of the framework, as a core element in promoting resilience, personal development, and long-term success for young people. Vibe can also show you how to develop your own RF4-TOC or merge RF4 into your existing TOC.