Victims Pathfinder Project
What is the Young Victims Pathfinder Project?
The service supports young victims of any type of crime that has an impact on their life.
Staff initially meet with young people on a 1-to-1 basis to understand the impact of their experience and to identify further support needs.
Ongoing support specifically links to the young person’s experience as a victim and future safety planning. This may include signposting to related services, encouraging engagement with existing support networks, targeted 1-to-1 support, mentoring and/or group based activities. Our team work closely with the local restorative justice hub ensuring that victims are aware of the restorative justice options that may be available to them.
All of the work delivered is community based and outreach focused, ensuring that we meet young people where they feel most comfortable and confident to engage.
Involvement
Young people who have been supported through the service are encouraged to mentor others who are new to the service.
Referrals
Young people can refer themselves by completing the referral form and sending it to [email protected] or by contacting Alex Flook directly by telephone or email. Referrals can also be received from family members, friends and professionals. Contact will then be made with whoever has completed the referral form and an initial visit will be arranged with the young person at a time and location that best suits them.
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome to help support young people on either a 1-to-1 basis or to help deliver group work. Please contact Alex Flook if you are interested in volunteering.
Partnerships and resources
We aim to work with agencies in Essex to:
- Support the victim
- Improve the delivery of effective services to victims.
- Improve the outcomes for whole families
- Reduce the need for young people to go through this alone.
Young Victims Pathfinder Project key workers will coordinate the day to day needs, assessment and support provision for priority victims. Cases will be regularly and systematically reviewed with the involvement of all relevant agencies.
Other interventions can include:
- Direct work with young people. The young person will be expected to have fun but also be open to discussing important issues in their lives with their key worker.
- Groups and workshops
- Working with victims to access positive activities and opportunities
- Improve school attendance and access to education training or work
- Help and advice on employment, further education, benefits and debt
- Help and advice on health, including drug and alcohol issues
- Support emotionally and practically with the victim to ensure that they can get their life back on track.
For more information regarding the Project or to find out how to make a referral please contact:
Catch22 Young Victims Pathfinder Project
Alex Flook
Young Victims Pathfinder Co-ordinator
[email protected]
07739 851067
Colchester Business Centre
1 George Williams Way
Colchester
Essex
CO1 2JS
01206 878770
