The mentorship scheme, launched in 2013 by Christian charity Action for Children, is the first of its kind in the UK to provide ‘peer mentors’ to help youngsters break free from a life of organised crime.
It sees advisors, many of whom are reformed criminals modelling alternative lifestyles to “high risk” 11 – 18 year olds who have resisted more conventional forms of support, in a bid to deter them from further criminal activity.
Teenagers involved in drug dealing, money laundering and robbery were offered support in the form of education, training and employment advice at the Glaswegian based project over the past six years.
An analysis by the Glasgow City Council found that the scheme prevented 45 out of 49 recent participants in the scheme from re-offending and has saved the council more than £500,000 by diverting four high risk children away from needing care.
Following the success of Action for Children’s Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention service, The National Lottery is providing the charity with £4.6 million to expand the project to Edinburgh, Newcastle and Cardiff.
Action for Children director for Scotland Paul Carberry, said: “Serious organised crime is an issue for the whole of the UK, it disproportionately impacts the more vulnerable in our communities and has a greater presence in socially and economically disadvantaged areas.
“Since 2013,…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.