‘RISE’ project, changing young Cumbrian's lives
65.5 per cent of children completing the programme, have not come back to police attention in any way.
57 young people have been referred to the RISE programme, a county-wide early intervention child mentor scheme, aimed at targeting young people with increased risk of entering the Criminal Justice System. Collectively, they have received 322 mentoring sessions and 98 sessions supporting their families.
The Child Centred Policing team with Cumbria Constabulary have identified that 65.5 per cent of children completing the programme, have not come back to police attention in any way.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall commissioned Barnardo’s £289,000 over two years, to deliver the RISE project, an early intervention 1- 2- 1 scheme, for young people displaying risk taking behaviours. The RISE practitioners provide safe, non-judgmental support during confidential meetings, with the aim of developing skills and knowledge on how to make better life choices as young people.
Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC) Mike Johnson comments: "It’s really positive that parents, practitioners and professionals from several services, have identified significant positive changes in the young people who have been supported by the RISE programme over the last year.
"It’s clear that the RISE practitioners understand how vital it is to work with everyone involved, including the young person’s school, signposting to specialist support services, as well as working together with the child’s family.
"The RISE programme puts the young person at the heart of solving the problem. The support is individually tailored to each young person’s needs. It empowers them and ensures that the child’s voice is heard."
Also speaking on the success of the project was one of the mothers of a child who went on the programme.
She wishes to remain anonymous, but said: "Our son started staying out late, wouldn't answer the phone, would turn off his data so we couldn't see his location.
"I ended up contacting the police myself to ask for help, and they put me in touch with the child protection officer.
"We were just constantly worrying and when we found out who he was getting involved with we found out he was being encouraged to steal. He was brought home in a police car a couple of times.
"He's now gone back to his older friend group, he's playing his football and is back on his bike which is great because he lost interest in everything for a time."