Amidst this coronavirus outbreak, we wanted to let you know that we are continuing to do all that we can to support vulnerable, at risk young people in our local community.  It’s not easy, but we’ve worked hard to adapt our services to ensure that no young person is left feeling isolated, alone or unsupported whilst dealing with these very difficult and challenging circumstances.  Measures that we’ve taken include:

Youth Delivery

·         We are continuing to provide essential 1-2-1 mentoring in person for the most vulnerable, at risk young people, including our Looked After Children mentees, whilst adhering to government guidelines and social distancing measures

·         We are making regular phone calls to check in with, support and mentor our other young people

·         We are delivering a Virtual Dance Club through tik tok on Wednesday afternoons

·         We are running 2 virtual Youth Clubs (for different age ranges) on Friday nights

·          We are running virtual FIFA football tournaments, overseen by our Senior Youth Mentor

·         We are delivering responsive online mentoring, advice and support through an online Facebook group set up specifically for our mentored young people

·         We are currently in contact with local schools with a view to providing assemblies and workshops, whilst adhering to government guidelines and social distancing measures

Get Connected

·         We are in regular dialogue with the Home Office and receiving information regarding how criminal markets are adapting to Covid-19, in particular around county lines and child exploitation

·         In order to ensure that we continue the momentum and maintain focus on the issues, we have set up a platform to regularly communicate, update and stay connected with project participants in the West Midlands and Northumbria throughout this period of lockdown

·         As Get Connected Lead, I am putting together informative regular vlogs and emails for project participants to ensure that they are fully up to date with current developments and issues

Although we are unable to operate as normal in these extraordinary circumstances, our focus remains wholeheartedly on being there for the young people in every way that we can, providing an alternative support network and offering advice, support and positive diversionary activities, as well as continuing to support other professionals through Get Connected.

For more information, please contact:

Get Connected Lead:  Joe Russo, [email protected], 07973641702

Head of Service (Youth Programmes Delivery):  Heather Russo, [email protected], 07954793984