Over 1,100 knives recovered in Lancashire after knife crime operation
1,112 knives have been taken off the streets of Lancashire during a national week of action to tackle knife crime. Operation Sceptre resulted in 239 arrests
Champions is an innovative intervention programme supporting young people, aged 10-25 with experience of or at risk of offending behaviours. The programme is delivered by nine football club community organisations (CCOs) across Lancashire.
Adopting a trauma informed approach, mentors give their time with genuine interest to create a trusted relationship and innovative interventions which promote personal development, wellbeing gains and consequently reducing their experience of offending and antisocial behaviours. The programme is confidential and non-judgemental. Mentors don’t work for the police and aren’t involved in criminal proceedings.
Participation is voluntary, subject to assessment of suitability and relies on a positive approach from the mentor, the young person and others involved in their support network.
The Champions team provide opportunities and activities which help young people achieve their goals. These might include practical help to get job ready, identifying and accessing training opportunities, support into health services, helping to improve their school/college attendance or just engaging in activities that are fun!
The programme comes in three easy to understand phases, focusing on progression at the client’s pace and objectives set by them. The team provide support for as long as needed provided participants are engaging and working positively towards their goals.
Referrals to the programme can be made here.
Champions is currently being delivered through 9 CCOs across Lancashire:
Champions has been helping young people in Lancashire since 2020 with funding directed through the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network.
Extracts from the 2021/22 Impact Report showed:
· 425 Young People Engaged
· 1102 instances of Information, Advice & Guidance
· 151 Supported into Meaningful Activities
· 57 Supported into Skills Based Training
· 72 Supported in accessing Education
· 15 Entered Employment
· 190 reported Wellbeing Improvements
1,112 knives have been taken off the streets of Lancashire during a national week of action to tackle knife crime. Operation Sceptre resulted in 239 arrests
Seven organisations from across Lancashire have been awarded the Working with Trauma Quality Mark. The Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN) has been working with these
A teenager from Fleetwood has proved the importance of mentorship for young people after engaging with the Champions programme. Champions mentor, Gary Smith, met with