Thousands of young people across Sandwell have been getting specialist support from youth workers to help guide them away from a life of violence, thanks to a project funded by the Violence Reduction Partnership.
Youth workers have been placed out on the streets, in town centres, parks, and on a bus.
They offer support and guidance to young people in neighbourhoods particularly impacted by violent incidents, engaging with over 1000 young people every 3 months through Sandwell Youth Services.
The Violence Reduction Partnership works to prevent and tackle the root causes of violence, and is overseen by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
Youth workers also led knife crime awareness sessions around the Sandwell Knife Angel late last year.
Ambitious Lives, a youth service provider, run several youth clubs across the borough providing one-to-one mentoring, sports and fitness activities, training on how to use bleed kits and group workshops on wellbeing.
95% of young people who have been referred into the clubs for being at risk of entering the criminal justice system, have successfully turned their lives around and are now on a more positive path.
All young people referred into the clubs for carrying a knife have stopped carrying since receiving support.
Harry came to Ambitious Lives to seek support on managing his anger, which was keeping him from pursuing a modelling career.
Since receiving mentoring sessions, he has taken part in an in-house modelling showcase which helped him learn how to stay calm and significantly improved his confidence.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster said: “It is truly amazing what young people can achieve with the right guidance and support.
“Whether that’s pursuing ambitious careers or finding new passions, our young people have so much ability, drive and talent within them, that is unlocked through adults and practitioners that believe and invest in them.
“The work in Sandwell is testament to this and I will continue to advocate for more creative programmes and one-to-one support for our young people.
“We must believe in, engage with, listen to, work with and invest in our young people.”
Youthworker, Malachi Nunes from Ambitious Lives, said: “I am grateful to be working in this space with young people because I can be the mentor that I never had growing up.
“The support from the VRP has provided me with the right tools to mentor, educate, inspire young people and help them make better choices in life.
“This will allow the younger generation to have more positive role models.”
