Community Led Initiatives (CLI) was formed in 2013 by two people who had transformed their own lives and wanted to help others through the power of peer mentoring in the community. Through mentoring, group activities, community building and co-production, CLI remove barriers to community inclusion for people who are socially excluded, facing complex issues such as drug and alcohol misuse, homelessness, offending and mental ill-health.

The VRU are working with CLI on a year long pilot project that aims to deliver mentoring and community support for young people who are transitioning from Youth Justice to Probation at the age of 18, with the aim of improving their ability to sustain positive change. Support includes practical and emotional support and providing advocacy support when required.

The VRU recognises the distinct needs and circumstances of young adults in developing effective approaches to reduce re-offending and preventing victims of crime. CLI’s open-ended and responsive approach to individuals need and flexibility to respond to the dynamic situations that young people can find themselves in, acknowledges these needs.

To date, CLI have supported the young people to achieve improved practical outcomes in the following areas;

• Administration and finance
• Education, Training, Employment and Volunteering
• Accommodation
• Health management
• Addressing substance misuse

Analysis of data collected through CLI’s service user self-assessment at the start and end of their mentoring support has found that:

• 86% of those who accessed our service felt like they had made significant improvements in their lives since beginning to work with their mentor.
• 72% reported that they felt more able to achieve their goals independently in the future.
• 58% stated that they had a change of attitude towards offending.
• 0% went on to re-offend whilst supported by their mentor.

One Probation officer said, “This service I believe is essential for those young people who may need extra help in fulfilling their potential.

“One of my young people has great difficulty building positive and trusted relationships with professionals, however CLI came with me to visit him in custody before he was released and really adapted their communication style to meet him with what he needs. This young person now trusts CLI and his connection with other services has greatly improved due to the positive impact CLI’s involvement is having on him.

“Their practice is trauma informed, non-biased, professional and they go above and beyond to help young people see their own potential. Children and young people see that themselves and this is the reason they connect with CLI so well. This improves their outcomes and shows them alternative options.”

To find out more, visit Home | Peer Mentoring | Community Led Initiatives.

Article posted on: 25/02/2022 03:02pm