Mobile Youth Project Youth and Community
Based in a converted bus, this project reaches out to the most disadvantaged wards in Northampton.
This project operates 5 evenings and 2 afternoons per week, in 7 locations, working with children aged 8 to 13. Each session attracts an average of 25 participants, which demonstrates the strong demand for the project. Children can either access the bus themselves or can be referred by Social Services or probation.
The bus provides a welcoming and safe environment, where children can get information, keep warm and dry, play games, meet and chat with friends, get a hot drink or a free snack and build positive relationships.
Through the games and the fun participants also focus on issues such as bullying, racism, better decision making and the development of practical life skills. By providing a ratio of one staff member to five children, we are able to work intensively with each chil and to address their individual needs, which may vary from underperformance at school to dealing with pressure to become a runner for local drug dealers.
As well as keeping young people safe, the project has led to a noticeable reduction in nuisance behaviour and youth criminality, as evidenced by Northamptonshire Police. The project is strongly endorsed by local partners such as Northampton Community Safety Partnership, residents associations and local churches. The project is also highly praised by the local Children and Young People Partnership Board.
Most importantly, the work of the Mobile Youth Project is strongly supported by local parents, several of whom have become volunteers with the project.
Benefits of the Project
Engages with up to 150 at risk children per week - Gives children something positive to do
- Provides a free and accessible local service in disadvantaged wards
- Diverts participants from street crime and nuisance behaviour
- Enhances children's confidence and self esteem
- Significantly improves children's life chances
- Improves community safety for all
- Builds positive relationships with parent and families of children at risk
- Not seen as Social Services or School, but as a fun place to be
- Provides good value for money
- A proven way to engage with vulnerable children
Contact us on:01604 642104
Last updated on 18/05/09 by Kate Gelder
