Prevention work
The My Future: Youth Support Programme is a voluntary prevention programme open to all children aged between 10 and 18 years old.
The aim of the programme is to steer children away from crime and anti-social behaviour, helping them to reach their potential. Our specialist workers offer support that is tailored to the child’s individual needs and driven by what the child sees as a priority. This could be working together to develop a skill, helping them to get back into education, training or employment, working through a problem at home, or just being there as someone to listen.
We can also provide mentoring support for children, encouraging them to make better choices now and in the future. We work closely with partners including schools and colleges, children’s social care, health services and local youth services to support children in their own communities.
As part of the programme, we sometimes visit the Mill Adventure Base, where children can take part in activities like abseiling, outdoor climbing, tunnelling, free fall and the zip wire. As well as having fun, this helps children build their confidence, and develop communication and teamwork skills whilst learning how to build positive and respectful relationships.
Who is suitable for the programme?
It is for children aged 10 to 18, who want help and support (consent must be gained). The programme is suitable if:
- the child 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 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’s use of social media which places either themselves or others at a risk of harm.
- there are concerns about the child’s thinking and behaviour which is negatively impacting on their relationships (such as discriminatory attitudes and beliefs).
- concerns are being raised in relation to the child’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/carers and from children themselves. For an initial discussion, please contact a member of our team who will be happy to help on 0115 804 2888 or email YouthJusticeServiceNotts@nottscc.gov.uk.
If a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, a safeguarding referral should be made to the multi agency safeguarding hub (MASH).
