Website: www.stgilestrust.org.uk
Service: SOS+
Description:
St Giles Trust SOS+ project's tailored support packages steers vulnerable young people in the criminal justice system away from a life of crime, giving them emotional support and guidance. Backed by H&F Council funding, the trust works with partners and families, and delivers interactive work sessions through schools, colleges and youth groups.
Funded until:
31 March 2018
Annual funding:
£38,000
In the past year...
Two volunteers have put in 315 hours supporting 78 young people, with a projected 20% reduction in repeat offending. SOS+ has already raised £10,000 in other funding.
Outcomes:
As well as interactive SOS+ sessions in 12 schools and youth organisations, the H&F caseworker supported young people and youth club staff affected by the tragic murder of a 17-year-old on the Edward Woods estate. It culminated in a 'closure' residential weekend in Dorset for 40 young people.
Case study:
Students at Bridge Academy include disadvantaged young people, excluded for emotional and behavioural problems. We arrived for the prison reality session to a challenging environment. A Year 10 student spent 10 minutes cutting a pile of powder into lines, as if it was an illegal substance. Young people were hard to engage, but we held their attention and got them to participate, to teachers' surprise. One young man, with gentle coaxing, acted out a role to demonstrate that we are all responsible for our decisions. Teachers said he'd never participated before. The session demystifies prison, encouraging young people to discuss the effect jail has on victims and loved ones. It equips young people with coping strategies to get out of serious situations they may face.
Feedback:
"Wonderful! Westside would really like to carry this on; student reaction has been enormous".
Looking ahead:
Although St Giles has a good relationship with partners, there is still room for more referrals to the caseworker. Meanwhile a new youth club in White City is to launch.