Turning Lives Around: Wirral Youth Justice Service Empowers Young People

Strategic Insights -

Wirral Youth Justice Service, in collaboration with the UK Government, is making a significant impact in turning the lives of young people around who have been involved in offending behavior. The service, which supervises young people aged 10 to 17, works with them to help them avoid reoffending and turn their lives around. With the help of volunteers, mentors, and peer mentors, the service provides vital support and guidance to these young people, empowering them to make positive changes and break the cycle of crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wirral Youth Justice Service is a multi-agency service that includes social workers, youth justice workers, education staff, police, probation, and health professionals, as well as volunteers.
  • Sophie Rose, a peer mentor, has been working with the service for over 15 years, initially as a young person and then as a peer educator.
  • The peer mentor initiative targets areas affected by gang activity, serious violence, and exploitation, providing early intervention and prevention services to young people.
  • Volunteers undergo a fully trained induction course and receive ongoing support throughout their time with the Youth Justice Service.
  • Mentors help young people access positive social activities, education, and training, and listen to them, respecting their views and opinions.
  • Sophie Rose's work has shown that peer mentoring can make a significant difference in the lives of young people, helping them to grow and gain strength in the face of exploitation.
  • The service is looking for more volunteers to become mentors and peer mentors, with registration information available on the Wirral Youth Justice Service website.

Statistics:

  • Over 15 years, Sophie Rose has been involved with the Wirral Youth Justice Service, first as a young person and then as a peer educator.
  • The peer mentor initiative targets areas affected by gang activity, serious violence, and exploitation.
  • Young people who are being exploitated are often isolated by their perpetrators, but mentorship can provide an essential support system.
  • Mentorship can help young people access positive social activities, education, and training.
  • Sophie Rose has seen firsthand the impact of peer mentoring on young people, including their ability to gain strength and confidence in the face of exploitation.

Sources:

  • Wirral Council
  • UK Government
  • Sophie Rose, Wirral Youth Justice Service
  • Wirral Youth Justice Service, wirral.gov.uk