The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has visited Yewlands Academy with ReconnectEd.
ReconnectEd is an organisation which runs a school coaching programme. The programme is an early intervention mentoring initiative with the aim of increasing attendance and reducing exclusions from mainstream school for young people facing extreme adversity.
The VRU has supported the programme through its Violence Reduction Fund, which supports young people aged 4-25, providing positive diversionary activities, role models, and mental health support.
Yewlands Academy is one of the schools taking part in the programme, and the VRU visited with representatives from ReconnectEd to hear more about how the work is progressing.
Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “ReconnectEd does important work with young people in South Yorkshire who are facing difficult situations, aiming to support them to stay in school through their early intervention initiative, and in so doing to reduce school exclusions.
“ReconnectEd’s work with Yewlands Academy is a great example of what can be accomplished through intervention in educational settings, and it’s something I’m proud the VRU has been able to support in each of the last two financial years.”
Mike Westerdale, CEO of Brigantia Learning Trust said: “At Brigantia Learning Trust and Yewlands Academy, we are delighted to be the founding partner of ReconnectEd’s programme.
“Our commitment to deliberately create a level playing field for all our pupils and students is in keeping with ReconnectEd’s aim to contribute to a more inclusive society.
“The partnership enables a community solution to an issue that’s felt on both a local and national scale.”
Alexandra Hanratty, CEO and Co-Founder of ReconnectEd said: “The evidence from our first Impact Report shows the transformational impact that our ReconnectEd Coaches are having on the young people, their families, and school in just 6 months.
“Our Coaches live locally and have worked within the community for many years so have a real understanding of the issues the young people face.
“We are proud to have worked with Brigantia Learning Trust to introduce an intensive model that has resulted in significant impact and contributed to a more inclusive society.”
