Lewisham’s Youth Justice Service to help divert more young people from violence

The programme will see specially-trained youth workers based in police custody who will work to divert young people away from violence at a critical ‘teachable moment’.

This is part of a wider effort supported by The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who today announced his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has invested an additional £2.1m to embed custody intervention youth workers across London in all 12 Basic Command Units of the Met Police to divert and support more young people away from violence.

Lewisham Council’s Youth Justice Service will help to deliver the programme locally, called ENGAGE, at Lewisham and Bexleyheath police stations in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley and Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Specially-trained youth workers will engage with young people following their arrest for offences including possession of weapons, possession of drugs, theft and minor assault - at what is known as a ‘reachable moment’. Youth workers help to prevent violence and support young people with ongoing, long-term support and guidance that can lead to education and training, as well as apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

Chris Barnham, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Community Safety, said:

“This programme will enable our youth justice workers to make important interventions at what can be a critical moment in a young person’s life. By working closely with our local partners and pooling our expertise, we can deliver specialist support to a young person when they need it most and hopefully provide them with a real catalyst for change.”

Yvonne Henry, tri borough ENGAGE team leader in Lewisham, said:

“The ENGAGE team meets the need instead of focusing on the behaviour, reaching children at a teachable moment in crisis and supporting them to a path of opportunities.

“We listen to children without judgement, offering a reassuring time out moment when they are in greatest need.”