Young people in custody in Merseyside offered Childline call
It's aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending
Young people who find themselves in custody in Merseyside will now be offered a call to Childline.
It's the first offer of its kind in the country and is aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending.
The call will allow experienced counsellors to offer confidential advice and support. The young person is also offered a solicitor.
The idea came from retired Merseyside police officer Deborah Rigby, who is now a supervisor at Childline in Liverpool.
She approached the force and then worked together with Constable Christopher Beedle to make the idea a reality.
787 young people have come into custody in the last six months.
Constable Christopher Beedle, Prevention, Merseyside Police, said:
"This initiative gives us an opportunity to engage with the young people who unfortunately find themselves in police custody. It’s about getting them the right support and keeping them safe once they leave custody.
"Prior to the official launch, custody staff have been proactively raising awareness of the confidential support Childline offer to young people.
"Our aim is to ensure that any young person who enters custody receives the right support that has the potential to make a huge difference to their lives and stop them reoffending."
Childline Liverpool supervisor, Deborah Rigby, said:
"We would like to thank Merseyside Police for agreeing to be part of this amazing partnership project with Childline.
"As a former police officer, I have first-hand experience of working with children in custody and I know what a difference a service like this could make to their lives.
"Merseyside Police will offer all young people who pass through their custody suite a confidential and independent call to speak to a Childline counsellor. Young people will also be given a leaflet on discharge, highlighting the support Childline can offer them so that they can use the service at a time that suits them."
It's hoped that other forces across the country will follow Merseyside in adopting it.