SERVICES

Once the referral is made a young person will be allocated a project worker. This worker will then contact the young person (at home, through school, mobile, text or any alternative method) and actively seek to engage with them. An initial meeting will be suggested and this will often be somewhere where the young person feels comfortable and safe – at home, school, at the project’s office or a café. This meeting usually involves the worker introducing themselves, explaining about the support available and generally trying to make the young person feel supported and that there is someone who is prepared to listen to them should they want it. Further meetings can then be arranged and during this time a trusting, supportive relationship can be built during which the young person and worker can discuss the issues that the young person has faced which led to them running away. Our partnership with other agencies/organisations is crucial as depending what issues are raised by the young person we can signpost the young person to the appropriate agency/organisation ensuring that they receive the right support and service.

Through the delivery of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) sessions in local schools the project raises the awareness of the issues facing young people who have run away

In partnership with two other projects for young people we provide a lunch time drop session at two secondary schools. This creates an informal arena which young people can access and have the opportunity to "chill out" and chat to the staff team whilst playing games, having discussions etc.

We work in partnership with other agencies and will refer young people, where appropriate, to those agencies where they can obtain specialist support e.g. Ad-Action, CAMS

We offer workshops to other younth projects to educate young people about the dangers of living on the streets and the consequences of running away in Derby city.

We offer positive activities for young people at various times including belly dancing, creative writing, street dancing and summer activities.