Programme helps Flintshire youngster swap crime for the construction site

A youngster from Flintshire who was criminally exploited says he is getting his life back on track thanks to a key programme being run in the county.

The 17-year-old was manipulated and coerced into breaking the law throughout his teenage years, leading to multiple arrests.

However, following a referral to Action for Children’s criminal exploitation intervention service, for those at risk of involvement with serious organised crime, he has secured employment, enrolled at college, and is enjoying a healthier relationship with himself and his family.

That’s just one success story for Action for Children, one of the strands within Project 11, which has received support from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to benefit young people aged 11+ at risk of exploitation and crime.

Flintshire County Council’s Youth Justice Services is leading the Project 11 scheme, with Action for Children delivering the criminal exploitation intervention service, which focuses on three main areas: 

• re-engaging them with education or employment
• addressing risk taking with regards to crime, and 
• making healthier options and lifestyle choices.

Latest stats show 100% of participants improved their connection with education, training or employment, while 89% reduced their involvement, or risk of involvement, in serious organised crime.

The Flintshire youngster, who cannot be named for safety reason, says his positive journey would not have been possible without Project 11 and Action for Children.

He said: “Overall, I’ve got my life back on track. If it wasn’t for this, I would continue going down the wrong path.

“I’m really proud to be in college, and I enjoy going as it’s given me a purpose. I’m aiming to get construction-related qualifications so I can go full-time with the company I’m currently doing work for.

“I really enjoy working outdoors, so to be on a building site is brilliant.

“The service co-ordinator at Action for Children went above and beyond. For example, he helped my sister get a job, too. He’s made a huge difference to this family.”

Speaking about the 17-year-old’s journey with the programme, the service co-ordinator said: “He really engaged with us. You could tell he wanted to avoid taking the route of criminal activity, but he just needed the guidance, support, and reassurance.

“For example, he dabbled in drug dealing to help the household finances. So, we worked closely with him to advise of the consequences as well as show alternative solutions were possible.

“Whether it was securing a job or learning life skills such as budgeting money, he is a shining example of the power of this programme and the difference it has made to so many lives in Flintshire.

”Project 11 involves a multi-agency and multi-modal approach to reducing exploitation, violence, and organised crime involving young people in order to create safe neighbourhoods.

The service co-ordinator at Action for Children added: “Many of the positive outcomes would not have been achieved without Flintshire Youth Service securing the much needed UKSPF funding.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council cabinet member for economy, environment, and climate, said: “This is an inspiring story that really showcases the impact of the project in Flintshire.

“The youngster himself should be proud of his achievements, and I look forward to hearing about more the programme’s success.”