Stay Safe Delivery

June 2011- April 2012

(Aim: To empower young people to become safer in their communities)

Experiential Talks:

To date 20 experiential talks have taken place over the ten month period.

510 young people have benefited from real life talks on the long term effects of alcohol, drugs, criminal activity and spending time in prison.

Gangs, Knives & Safety Programme:

To date 126 workshops have taken place over the ten month period.

176 young people have taken part in the 6 week programme on the dangers of carrying a knife, gangs, drugs and alcohol, conflict resolution and personal safety.

Mentoring:

To date 36 young people have received one to one support over an agreed time period working to address issues in their life’s that have prevented them reaching their potential.

Hayden, 18 years of age, ‘Before I started working with Jim I was unemployed, drinking very heavily and I was about to be kicked out of home. I have now got an apprenticeship, I am learning to drink less and more sensibly and my relationships with my family at home have improved’

Achievements

• The project has forged a strong partnership with Cheshire Police as part of their Safer Schools Initiative and been ratified by the constabulary.

• Specialist paid programme Work to the most disengaged young people across Cheshire.i.e. PRU, PLC, NEET, PYO,PPO

• Recognised with the Youth Offending Team Cheshire as a valuable resource for mentoring some of their most prolific young offenders

• Received Funding from the Home Office for the project and they have recognised the impact of the Stay Safe Project.

‘As a result 722 young people have benefitted directly from Stay Safe services.’

‘As a result of the funding we received from the Brian Kennedy Trust we have been able to develop a unique project with the primary objective to empower and to make a difference to some the most disaffected young people across Cheshire. The programme works with those young people who are involved or likely to become involved in antisocial or criminality and encourages them to reflect on their behaviour and the implication of their actions on themselves, their families and the wider community. The project was delivered predominantly through three mediums, interactive experiential talks presented by ex-inmates and those who had personal experience of the criminal justice system. We delivered a programme of modular workshops based on the specific behaviours regularly displayed by the young people in the group addressing personal safety, alcohol and substance use, violence and a range of other issues. For those young people deemed to be at the most acute end of the spectrum regarding their involvement in criminality we have provided mentoring to ensure that they have a positive supportive role model within their lives.

The financial and caring support from The Brian Kennedy Trust has impacted on many young people lives, they have been given a VOICE to be heard and most importantly the TIME to change their behaviour and direction which were unfortunately heading to a life of unhappiness.’

Jim Brookes (Stay Safe Coordinator)

The Brian Kennedy Trust is proud to have worked with the Warrington Youthclub and Youth Federation