Young Preston Hosts Interview Jack Whatmough: A Proud Moment for Preston’s Young Hosts
The Young Preston podcast continues to shine a light on the talents and voices of Preston’s young people, and the latest episode is no exception.
The Emergency Navigator programme is a hospital-based intervention service that helps 10 to 25-year-olds navigate their way away from violence, (whether they have been a victim and/or a perpetrator) towards a more positive lifestyle.
It is aimed at young people who have attended the hospitals because of violence or are at risk of experiencing violence.
Navigators are a trusted adult who can build rapport with the young person and identify issues they may face in their life. This rapport is built through positive engagements, such as meeting the young person at the hospital, follow up meetings in the community, home visits, and regular telephone contact.
Navigators encourage and support young people in making healthy choices and positive plans to disrupt the cruel cycle of violence that can too easily lead to re-attendance into hospital, re-injury to self and others, and devastated communities.
Not everyone wishes to report matters to the police when they go to hospital after being assaulted. Sometimes going to hospital is a last resort for someone who needs medical attention and they may not be aware that they can also access ongoing help to manage difficult situations they may be living with.
Our ED Navigators aim to refer young people into organisations that can support them with issues such as:
– Mental health
– Housing
– Education, training and employment
– Anger management
– Community support
– Family dynamics
– Confidence and self-esteem
– Handling emotions
– Resilience building
– Exploitation (CCE/CSE)
– Bullying
– Domestic violence
– Alcohol and substance misuse
We currently have ED Navigators covering the
following A&E departments:
– Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
– Royal Preston Hospital
– Blackpool Victoria Hospital
– UHMBT / Royal Lancaster Infirmary
– Burnley General Teaching Hospital
– Accrington Victoria Hospital
– Chorley and South Ribble Hospital
Independent evaluations highlight the programme’s success in amplifying the voice of the child and providing targeted care for patients, whilst also supporting staff through the sharing of best practice.
Data form July to September 2024 shows the programme’s reach and impact. During this period, 276 patients were contacted with an offer of support; 68% had a successful follow-up conversation, and 50% began actively engaging with a navigator. Most patients saw improved outcomes, with only 5% re-attending for a violence-related injury. In contrast, 22% of those who did not engage returned to A&E, demonstrating the programme’s potential to positively influence outcomes and reduce re-attendance rates.
The Young Preston podcast continues to shine a light on the talents and voices of Preston’s young people, and the latest episode is no exception.
We’re excited to share what’s been going on so far this year in our newsletter. This edition is packed with updates and news, including: 📕
We’re pleased to announce the release of our 2025 annual report, which reflects the significant progress made in reducing serious violence across Lancashire. This year’s