A support programme being delivered in prisons across the West Midlands is successfully helping guide young people away from gangs and violence.
The project, funded by the region’s Violence Reduction Partnership, supports individuals at risk of being drawn into gangs upon their release.
They are given the support and resources to help them make a fresh start and a positive impact in society. They also focus on developing empathy and decision-making skills to address the root causes of violence.
Harry, not his real name, reflected on his experience with the programme 12 months after being released, “It helped me to completely change my thought process in terms of dealing with violence and my chaotic lifestyle.
“I can honestly say working with Catch22 has helped me to find a new direction in my life where family is the most important priority.
“I now have a full-time job working in the construction industry which I love, I have rebuilt the relationship between myself, my young daughter and my partner.
“I am progressing forward with my life in a positive way instead of having to look over my shoulder.”
The service is funded by the region’s Violence Reduction Partnership and delivered by Catch22, a charity supporting vulnerable young people. They work closely with prisons and offender management systems to identify young people most in need of support.
The team are based within prisons to identify signs of trauma and exploitation, and help reduce the risk of young people joining or re-joining gangs upon release.
Chair of the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership Strategic Board and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “I am committed to investing in tackling the root causes of violence and supporting projects that offer real hope and opportunity.
“Catch22’s approach provides a vital pathway for individuals, to break free from gang involvement and build safer futures—for themselves, their families and for our communities.”
Andrew, a Support Worker, speaks of his experience: “We work with vulnerable young people to develop their emotional management and decision-making skills to help them understand the detrimental impact on themselves and others, should they choose to behave violently.
“One young person I supported in custody, struggled with anger management and poor mental health.
“I worked with him one to one doing exercises to help boost his mental wellbeing and use his time more positively.
“We started to see massive improvements in his behaviour and the number of warnings from the prison reduced.
“He told me he was interested in music so I arranged for him to have some sessions in the prison studio. He’s said he wants to continue pursuing music when he is released.
“I have seen him mature over the time I’ve worked with him and become a more thoughtful and considerate young man. With the skills he has developed, I am confident he will be able to contribute positively to society.”
For 2025/26, the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership has invested £94,000 to reach 100 individuals through delivery across three prisons.
