A FORCE OF CHANGE FOR YOUNGSTERS

Foundation of Light and Northumbria Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kim McGuiness, are celebrating working and helping 108 young people to steer away from a life of crime. Launched in 2019, YOLO, an early intervention project, in partnership with PCC Violence Reduction Unit, sees dedicated mentors support young people aged eight- 14, who are at risk of slipping into a life of crime and prevents them from becoming involved in anti-social or serious youth violence. Two years on and working throughout the pandemic, the young people receive support and education about drug and alcohol abuse, county lines operations and hate crime with over 5,000 hours of delivery being carried out so far, with no one going on to reoffend.

YOLO gives us a great opportunity to improve the lives of the young people that may have been directed down a wrong path.  By working closely with them and offering one-to-one support, we can assist them back onto the right track and help make our communities feel safe.

Head of Informal and Community Education at the Foundation of Light

Alongside the educational workshops, participants are helped and encouraged to make positive life choices through a range of diversionary activities including bike rides, surfing, engineering, and sport. Young people can be referred to YOLO through their school, Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood team or through the social justice system.