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Y-Box – New violence prevention model developed to help tackle male youth violence

Posted on by DOJ Team

A new violence prevention programme has been developed to help address the growing issue of male youth violence.

 

The Y-Box model is a targeted, evidence-based programme that works with young men aged 12-21 to explore the themes of masculinity and violence. The programme provides a framework for young men to reflect on their relationship with violence and to work through challenges.

 

The programme has been developed by Dr Colm Walsh from Queen’s University Belfast and Leigh Whitely from the Education Authority Northern Ireland (EANI) with funding and support by the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

 

Dr Colm Walsh said: “The Y-Box model is a social education programme that has been developed for use in schools and youth group settings. The aim of this evidence-informed and co-produced intervention protocol is to provide a framework for youth workers to engage with young men around the theme of masculinity and violence.

 

“Violence is the most experienced trauma for young people in Northern Ireland with young men at higher risk of being a victim or perpetrator or both. This model will provide a tool for practitioners to help young men and boys understand their relationship with violence and practice non-violent alternatives.”

 

EPPOC Director, Adele Brown, said: “The Y-Box model shows once again how Northern Ireland is leading the way in developing evidence-based solutions to prevent young men getting involved in interpersonal, community-based violence.  This will have a positive impact on lives now and in the future.

 

“The model has been tested and is now ready to be used more widely across Northern Ireland and also beyond. It’s part of a wider suite of evidence-based innovative initiatives that are helping reduce youth violence and break a complex cycle of harm.”

 

If you would like more information about the Y-Box programme please contact EPPOC on EPPOC@endingtheharm.info

‘Connect’ project in hospitals reduces violence and demand on public services

Posted on by DOJ Team

A new report reveals youth workers in emergency departments helped over 1,400 young people escape violence and exploitation in one year.

 

The report, published today by the NI Executive’s programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, evaluates the Education Authority-led CONNECT project which was undertaken by Dr Colm Walsh of Queen’s University Belfast, and points to the potential for the approach to further reduce youth violence and demands on hard-pressed critical care services.


Youth workers based in two Emergency Departments (EDs) engage and support vulnerable young people aged 15-25 when they arrive in hospitals. They are often very vulnerable and many of them are repeat attenders to the ED.  The youth workers use what is called a ‘teachable moment’ to engage with them at these critical moments and then provide mentoring support, helping young people access the right support in the community. This allows the medical teams to focus on other clinical issues and reduces the chances that the young people will return to the emergency department again.


The report, which includes anonymous case studies and feedback from the people involved, highlights the complex needs of many young people which, if left unaddressed, can make them more vulnerable to violence and criminal exploitation.

 

To read the report, please click on the link below.

Download pdf

Fresh Start Through Sport Pilot Shows Promise Despite Pandemic

Posted on by DOJ Team

An April 2022 evaluation report of the Fresh Start Through Sport (FSTS) pilot project highlighted its ability to break down barriers and bring people together, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The project, funded by the NI Executive’s Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme and delivered by the Department for Communities as part of Fresh Start in the Community, is a collaboration between the IFA, GAA, Ulster Rugby and Belfast Giants, aimed to engage at-risk youth through sport. When in-person activities were cancelled due to public health restrictions, partners quickly pivoted to online delivery.

 

While online sessions posed some limitations, they also fostered closer collaboration between sporting organisations. Participants gained knowledge, skills and positive experiences, with 100% saying the programme met expectations. 

 

Key recommendations from this evaluation include: enhancing recruitment to engage a wider demographic; increased focus on qualifications, volunteering opportunities and signposting to community organisations; maintaining select online components while prioritising in-person physical activity; and formalising an evaluation working group between stakeholders.

 

Despite pandemic constraints, the FSTS pilot facilitated valuable experiences and demonstrated the potential of sport-based interventions. Participants and organisers remain positive about the programme’s future impact on at-risk youth.

 

To read the report, please click on the link below.

download pdf