Worth Unlimited in Doncaster received a visit from representatives of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit and Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner on Wednesday, 6 October.
The visit was for everyone to hear about how the £20,000 awarded for the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Fund will be providing a project designed to provide early intervention for young people at risk of permanent exclusion from school in the Doncaster area.
Worth Unlimited for Doncaster, offer one to one mentoring sessions during which time the mentee can work to address any issues in a caring and supportive environment. The initiative will help young people develop skills in anger management and conflict resolution, raise confidence and self-esteem, improve resilience, increase aspirations, and support the improvement of young people’s mental health and well-being.
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “It was really good to hear about how Worth Unlimited work in schools across Doncaster and their early intervention programme.
“Children are faced with many social dilemmas and need positive role models and trusted adults in their lives. Sadly not all of these can be found in the family home, which is why it is important that they have mentors that they can discuss their concerns with and who will listen and work through some of their issues, before they escalate to violence.”
The Worth Unlimited mentoring programme runs for twelve weeks and is consistent, supportive and structured. They aim to keep young people in education, equipping them with the tools to develop skills in anger management and conflict resolution, therefore reducing the risk of permanent exclusion, which can lead to anti-social behaviour and criminality.
Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “Exclusion from school can exacerbate problems faced by young people and place them at increased risk of getting involved in trouble.
“The work of these dedicated and skilled mentors is reducing the numbers of fixed term and permanent exclusions which is fantastic news.”
The programme will target young people who are living with domestic violence. They will have an opportunity where they can to talk to a trusted mentor. Sessions are designed to help them express how they are feeling, providing an outlet for their emotions.
Carol Parker-Cowan, Worth Unlimited Doncaster’s Branch Manager said; “Worth Unlimited is delighted to be working alongside the VRU to make a difference to the communities we support on a daily basis”
If you would like more information on Worth Unlimited, please see their website – worthunlimited.co.uk
