14 February 2008
The Promise Project, coordinated by Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Youth Offending Service and funded by the respective Community Safety Partnerships is a highly successful mentoring scheme aimed at providing young people in the local area, who are involved in anti-social behaviour with positive role models.
So successful is the project in fact, it was recognised at last years Voluntary Sector Achievement Awards in the Employer Supported Volunteer category, which are run by Caerphilly County Borough Council and GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations).
Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship between a young person aged between 10 and 18 who has either signed an ABC (Acceptable Behaviour Contract) or received an ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Order) and the mentor.
They voluntarily give time to receive and provide support, guidance and encouragement. The mentors also help young people to occupy their leisure time in a constructive manner and encourage development by helping them find employment or education.
Mentors also discuss how the individual is having an effect on the community by committing acts of anti-social behaviour. Often, they may develop community-based projects such as graffiti removal and litter picking or working with victims. Mentors also help address underlying causes of anti-social behaviour such as low self-esteem and help motivate them to change their behaviour and channel their energies into positive activities by helping them:
- Secure employment and work experience
- Reintegrate into education
- Deal with difficult life situations
- Start new hobbies and participate in sport
This work all helps towards modifying the young persons behaviour and ultimately putting an end to the anti-social behaviour.
Caerphilly County Borough Councils cabinet member for the environment, Cllr David Poole said, "This excellent mentoring scheme is crucial to the success of the Safer Caerphilly County Borough Community Safety Partnership's aim to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour in our communities. Mentors act as positive role models for youths who have become or are in danger of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. The experiences gained for both the youths and mentors have proven to be extremely rewarding indeed."
If you would like to help change the lives of anti-social youngsters, contact: Gary Meale or Richard Rees on 01495 235 623.
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