How we help young people
The IGXU supports children and young people aged 10-25 years, who are involved in gang-related activity. We also support young people who are at risk of being exploited or becoming involved in gangs.
The unit aims to reduce gang violence and exploitation and to create safer communities by giving young people a sense of personal choice and responsibility. Our work is built on the principles of prevention, identification and diversion. Enforcement options may be used as one of the last resorts, when other interventions haven’t been successful.
The youth practitioners provide one-to-one and group support to young people, their families and communities, alongside a range of other professionals including employment coaches, family therapists and community engagement & outreach officers
We work in collaboration with schools and colleges, youth-based services, police and other partners in the council. Together we identify vulnerable young people and use early intervention and diversionary approaches to support them.
How IGXU helps young people
There are various ways we support young people, including:
- Targeted one-to-one interventions with young people to stop offending or to help them reduce their links with gangs
- Specialist work with girls and young females affected by gangs, criminal or sexual exploitation
- Safety planning and mediation between different groups or gangs
- Link young people with purposeful activities that support their wellbeing
- Pathways into education, training or employment
- Coaching and therapeutic support for affected families
- A range of enforcement options for those who continue to engage in criminal behaviour
- Outreach and group engagement with voluntary, community and faith sectors
- Training for professionals in youth, education and health and social care settings