The Factory Youth Zone was pleased to host a visit yesterday morning by Police Minister, Nick Hurd MP. This was part of the launch of the Government’s ‘Serious Violence Strategy’.
Nick Hurd MP saw our work with young people as preventative measures for them becoming involved in escalating violent behaviour and child criminal exploitation. Nick heard about the success of our Junior Choices programme, which works with young people aged 9-12 at risk of offending or being involved in criminal activity, to see another path and equip them to make positive choices with the help of youth workers from The Factory Youth Zone.
Richard Marsh, CEO of The Factory Youth Zone, commented “I am really pleased to see this Home Office paper which highlights the need for preventative work with young people. We now need resources to follow as The Factory Youth Zone and other parties know what works if we are to change young people’s lives.”
The strategy also points towards joint agency working as a way forward. Richard commented “Our partnerships at The Factory Youth Zone with Police, Housing, Council and other voluntary sector parties are excellent and ‘best in class’. Only by working together can we effectively shape interventions to meet the needs of young people.”
Art can be a fantastic way to raise issues and encourage debate, which our young people have used to explore the topic of ‘County Lines’. This artwork is currently on display at Bruntwood’s Neo building in Manchester City Centre. On 19th April, FYZ and Bruntwood are hosting an exhibition where Michael will be talking about the work we’re doing around County Lines and Child Criminal Exploitation. If you want to come, visit our Eventbrite to book your free tickets!
