YOUNG people in Solihull will be given mental health support in a bid to prevent youth violence.
Psychologists will be on hand for teenagers who could be drawn into violence due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Solihull Council has won £114,000 from Home Office charity the Youth Endowment Fund to boost the Solihull Community Educational Psychology Service and the Youth Offending Service.
The council said more targeted support will involve using the latest psychologically informed techniques and carrying out ‘detached’ youth work, working flexibly in the community.
It added it will work closely with public sector partners and those in the voluntary and community sector to identify and prioritise those that need this support to reduce the risk of entering the youth justice system.
Coun Ken Meeson, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, explained: “I am absolutely delighted that we have secured this funding, which will help us quickly identify those at risk of entering the youth justice system, and therefore enable targeted support to be provided at the earliest opportunity.
“Being able to better engage with vulnerable young people in their community to assist, inform and shape our support is essential, especially during the current climate.
“Our approach is built on the principles of self-determination and co-production, which will empower these young people and those within their network and help promote sustainable change.
“Only six per cent of grant applicants were successful, which is testament to all the hard work put in by the teams on our bid.”
Jon Yates, Executive Director at Youth Endowment Fund, said: “It has been too easy to forget vulnerable young people during this crisis. The pandemic has removed much of the critical support that many of them rely upon – from teachers to youth workers. This funding will help us find the best way to reach and support these young people when they most need it.”
