We wanted to share with you one of the recent successes of the VVU ReRoute Programme, and how the programme is helping young people steer away from a life of crime and positively turn their lives around – and through this reduce violence and improve safety for communities.
One young person we have been working with in the north of the county for the past five months has made some incredible changes and reduced the risk they pose to others. This young person was referred to ReRoute following being arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs. When ReRoute began working with them, they were unemployed, without ID or a bank account and they were using drugs and their housing was at risk.
ReRoute have spent a total of 34 hours, working face to face with this young person; 19 hours focusing on drug and thinking skills and 15 hours focusing on getting the young person to engage with training and employment. As a result, the young person is now employed and has all the required amenities such as ID and bank account which make life a bit less challenging and a bit simpler and helps them to focus on other issues, including their ability to cope with everyday life, how they manage stress and focus on positive use of their time.
Their drug use has reduced significantly, and they are no longer at risk of eviction from the housing provider. Since being involved with ReRoute the young person hasn’t come to the attention of the police again, and they are making positive progress.
Speaking to their ReRoute worker recently this young person said: “You have actually changed my life. I would never have done any of this without your support.”
For further information about ReRoute, please contact Kirsty, [email protected] within the VVU team.