My future: youth support programme

With the my futures programme, we work with children and young people aged 10 to 18 years. The voluntary programme aims to steer young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour, helping them to make the most of their lives.

Workers offer individual support tailored to the young person and their  needs. This could be on their own or as part of a group. We also provide mentoring support for young people to help them make better choices for them and their future.

We work closely with partners such as schools, children’s social care, health, police and the youth service to make sure that we are working together to support children and young people in their community.

Our work

Our work is varied and intervention is tailored to the needs of the child or young person and what they need to help them stay out of trouble. This could be working with children and young people to develop a skill, helping to get them back into education, training or employment, working through a problem, or just being there as someone to listen.

Twelve young people attended the Mill Adventure base and took part in activities such as abseiling, outdoor climbing, tunnelling, Jacob's ladder, free fall and zip wire. As well as having fun, they were also developing skills in communication and team-work and building positive relationships.

What children and young people told us...

"I learned more about myself, comparing other skills, confidence, trying new things that I wouldn’t have done on my own or with family, friends, opportunity because of money."
"I enjoyed it because of the group all working together and supporting each other no matter where someone was from."
"I was anxious, nervous but after I got to know them it was ok."
"I enjoyed doing the activities and its better than just talking with people all the time."

Who is suitable for the programme?

It is for children and young people aged 10 to 18, who want help and support to make better decisions and make the most of their lives.

Referrals are considered based on:

  • The young person is engaging in, or at risk of engaging in, anti-social behaviour or behaviour which could lead to police involvement.
  • There are concerns relating to the young person being involved in, or at risk of being involved in, acts of aggression/violent behaviour and/or using knives/weapons.
  • There are concerns about their use of social media which places either themselves or others at a risk of harm.
  • There are concerns about the young person’s thinking and behaviour which harmfully impact on their relationships (e.g. discriminatory attitudes and beliefs).
  • Concerns are being raised in relation to the young person’s risk of being or becoming involved in serious youth violence (SYV) or / and child criminal exploitation (CCE)
  • There exists other concerning or worrying behaviour which, unaddressed, may lead to police involvement.

If you are unsure about whether a referral, please contact the early help unit for advice and guidance.


How to make a referral to the programme

We welcome referrals from all partner agencies and can be made by calling the youth justice service duty officer on 0115 804 2888.

If you are a parent or guardian and have concerns about a child or young person and want to discuss making a referral, please contact the early help unit for advice and guidance:

If you are a young person wanting support, please contact the Early Help Unit or access Notts Help Yourself which may provide you with some important information and advice.

If a young person is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, a safeguarding referral should be made to the multi agency safeguarding hub (MASH).