A project that is helping young people to get advice while they are out and about, where they live, is receiving the backing of a number of city agencies.
Each day youth workers from Sky Blues in the Community, Guiding Young Minds, Empowr-U, Guardian Ballers and Coventry Boys and Girls Club have been spending time in the community across Coventry throughout the summer, to keep children and young people safer.
Between six and eight youth workers have been running activities, building trust and talking to local young people each day. Both in the city centre and in parks and open spaces across the city.
The scheme is funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and has returned to Coventry after running a similar programme last summer.
Helen Kirkman from the VRP, said: “Youth workers have been out every day, engaging with young people in a non-judgmental and supportive manner, building trust and relationships.
“They act as capable guardians on the streets, de-escalating conflicts, diffusing tensions, providing guidance, and signposting young people to available youth provision or support services. All with the intention of keeping children safer in the city.”
Coventry City Council, the Police and other partners are also supporting the programme, as part of a co-ordinated effort by Coventry Community Safety Partnership (CCSP).
Cllr Abdul Khan, Chair of the CCSP and Deputy Leader at Coventry City Council, said: “There are so many positive projects happening in the city that are led and shaped by young people for young people. It is an excellent approach.
“This is all about engaging with young people in surroundings where they can build trust. It then helps build relationships – it provides a good basis to then provide further support.”
Alongside the programme, other information is provided by youth workers, from details of parks activities, to links to safe spaces, details of the holiday Activity programme and other support. Partners from the council, police, youth organisations and VRP hold a weekly meeting to review the progress of the work and plan for the week ahead and problem solve any issues. The project is linked to My Tomorrow and Child Friendly Cov.
So far 550 young people have been engaged in activities.
Ashley McBride from Sky Blues in the Community said “We recently had a day at Longford Park where around 48 kids played a variety of sports such as Football and Cricket.
“At times we may talk to young people about mental health, relationships, substance misuse and other topics they want support on. We listen to them, chat with them and then provide information about where they can get further support. Sport helps us break the ice with young people with ease.”
Youth workers will be at:
- Primrose Park on Thursday 21 August – Friday 22nd August between 3pm and 6pm
- Jardine Crescent from Tuesday 26 August – Friday 29 August between 3pm and 6pm
Youth workers will also be in the city centre at other times until the end of the summer holidays.