Completed in Summer 2023, the Chance 2 Change (C2C) project was a one year pilot project for young people aged 16-25 at risk or already involved in serious violent crime.
Street-based C2C mentors offered individualised support aimed at reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors. They supported young people to identify and understand the consequences and realities of criminal involvement and offered opportunities that encourage young people to change their behaviors and turn away from street-based violence.
Working with local partners and communities we built trusted relationships with at risk young people and met them in spaces where they felt safe. The project was launched in Spring 2022 as part of a wider strategy to tackle street-based violence in the city and county.
Strength-based: Our team help young people to recognise, harness and build upon their strengths and those within their family and communities.
Trauma-informed: Our team understands and seeks to reduce the impact of childhood trauma on young people, supporting them to access therapeutic support where necessary.
Young person centred: Our charity embeds young people’s involvement into all aspects of this project and is responsive to individual needs.
Proactive and consistent engagement: Our team builds trust and rapport with each young person and respond quickly to any signs of disengagement.
Collaborative: A Whole System Approach ensures that all key partners are working collectively to build positive relationships and ensure young people have the right environment and access to services they need to succeed.
Targeted: YMCA Leicestershire had clear objectives for the C2C project to ensure we reach those with the highest levels of need. We monitored and responded to any difference in outcomes across key demographics such as gender and ethnicity.
