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Youth

Detached Youth Work in Swindon and Wiltshire: A Positive Impact on Young People

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Trained professionals engaging with young people in public spaces, rather than traditional youth centres, have led to a significant positive impact on the lives of young people in Swindon and Wiltshire. A report from youth mentoring charity SMASH highlights the effectiveness of detached youth work, which has resulted in young people feeling safer and more supported. The report, based on service evaluations and feedback from 12 to 17-year-olds, found that youth workers have been able to reach young people who may not have sought out support otherwise.

Key Takeaways:

  • Detached youth work in Swindon and Wiltshire has been shown to be an effective way to engage with young people, with nearly £400,000 of Home Office Safer Streets funding allocated to this type of work.
  • The work has resulted in young people feeling safer and more supported, with a noticeable reduction in the likelihood of getting into trouble with the police.
  • The report highlighted the importance of trusted adults going to where young people are, rather than expecting them to come to youth clubs or structured activities.
  • SMASH, a youth mentoring charity, partnered with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and other organizations to deliver detached youth work and other initiatives in the region.
  • The consortium led by SMASH includes Chippenham-based The Rise Trust, Salisbury's The Bridge Youth Project, and Swindon mentoring provider iProvefit.
  • Additional Safer Streets funding supported a referral process in Swindon, offering 1-1 mentoring to young people most at risk of criminal behaviour.

Statistics:

  • Nearly £400,000 of Home Office Safer Streets funding was allocated to detached youth work, 1-1 mentoring, and targeted engagement schemes.
  • Over £1 million of Home Office Safer Streets funding was secured by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for projects including detached youth work.
  • 750 hours of volunteer service were celebrated by crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson, highlighting the community's commitment to supporting young people.

Sources:

  • [SMASH report] (exact wording as mentioned in the original text)
  • [Read more: More than 750 hours of volunteer service celebrated by crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson] (exact wording as mentioned in the original text)
  • [Read more: Swindon charity receives £1,000 grant to develop online tool] (exact wording as mentioned in the original text)

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