My future: youth support programme
The My Future: Youth Support Programme is a voluntary programme open to children and young people aged between 10 and 18 years old. The aim of the programme is to steer children and young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour, helping them to reach their potential. Our specialist workers offer support that is tailored to the child or young person’s individual needs.
In addition, we can provide mentoring support for children and young people, to encourage them make better choices now and in the 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 own communities.
What is involved?
The work we do is bespoke to the child or young person and intervention is specifically designed to meet their needs and help them stay out of trouble. This could be working together to develop a skill, helping them to get them back into education, training or employment, working through a problem, or just being there as someone to listen. Depending on what suits the child or young person, this could be in the form of one-to-one sessions or as part of a group.
When we can, we make use of the Mill Adventure Base where children and young people can take part in activities such as abseiling, outdoor climbing, tunnelling, free fall and the zip wire. As well as having fun, children and young people are also developing important skills in communication and teamwork and learning how to build 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.
- The child or 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 child or young person being involved in, or at risk of being involved in, acts of aggression or violent behaviour, and/or using knives or weapons.
- There are concerns about the child or young person's use of social media which places either themselves or others at a risk of harm.
- There are concerns about the child or young person’s thinking and behaviour which is negatively impacting on their relationships (e.g. discriminatory attitudes and beliefs).
- Concerns are being raised in relation to the child or young person’s risk of being or becoming involved in serious youth violence or child exploitation.
- Other concerning or worrying behaviour which, unaddressed, may lead to police involvement.
How to make a referral to the programme
We welcome referrals from all partner agencies, directly from parents and carers, and from children and young people. Please call the youth justice service duty officer on 0115 804 2888 for an initial discussion and next steps.
Additional support
If you have other concerns about a child or young person and want to discuss what wider support is available, please contact the Early Help Unit for advice and guidance by calling 0115 804 1248 or emailing early.help@nottscc.gov.uk
If you are a child or young person wanting additional support, please contact the Early Help Unit via one of the methods above. Alternatively, Notts Help Yourself 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).
