Change Direction is a prevention and early intervention support scheme for young people aged 10-17 in North Yorkshire, who may be committing antisocial behaviour or very low-level offences. The scheme aims to divert young people away from the Criminal Justice System, by engaging them at an early stage before this behaviour becomes habitual.
As a Youth Mentor on this project working across Scarborough and Ryedale, my role is to provide nurture and support to young people in order to address underlying causes of criminal behaviour. At my initial meeting with the young person, we complete an assessment of needs and strengths which enables us to structure a tailored support plan to meet their individual needs.
I give the young people the opportunity to talk about their life experiences and offer non-judgemental support to enhance their abilities and build their self-esteem, whilst developing a trusting relationship with them.
A key partner in my work is with schools where I see many young people in term-time, and I feel lucky that they provide me with the support I need to carry out this work. With their help, I am able to support young people to overcome their personal challenges and to ensure the young person feels valued and their voice is heard.
One of the schools I visit is Welburn Hall which is a generic special school/college for 8 to 19s with a wide range of special and educational needs. The school is situated in 14 acres of landscaped gardens and offers an alternative provision called the Orchards, supporting those not in mainstream education to continue to learn. The lessons take place in a therapeutic setting, utilising the school farm and animals, which allows young people to grow in confidence and achieve their potential.
It is a privilege to visit schools like Welburn, who help in mentoring sessions in a different kind of way; by offering diversionary and other activities to young people and making them feel part of something unique. This works well alongside the support I provide which focusses upon developing skills and positive coping mechanisms to overcome challenges and equip young people with life skills and self-belief. I have seen first-hand how the nurturing environment provided, alongside mentoring support can help young people to flourish in their education and achieve their future goals.
Clare Thwaites, Change Direction Youth Mentor