THE BREAKOUT PROGRAMME
An ACTION4YOUTH Initiative
A programme designed to support vulnerable young people
How prevalent is knife crime?
Knife crime is rising at an alarming rate. More than a fifth of offences involving knives and offensive weapons were committed by children, with convictions at a 10-year high (CYP Now Jan 2020). Many carrying knives say initially it’s for their own protection, yet sadly evidence shows they are more likely to become a victim with the knife being turned on them. Studies also show the link between poor mental health and knife-crime, and the trajectory into gangs. Knife crime devastates families and communities, it is vital we invest in trusted interventions that really work. We need to reach them before they reach for a knife.
How does The Breakout Programme work?
The targeted intervention runs for 0.5 day each week over a 12-week period for groups of 10 young people. Schools know their pupils well and can easily highlight which students identify at risk.
Across the 12 weeks, with a unique range of 121 mentoring, classroom based sessions and outdoor education activities young people hear personal experiences, reflect on their own circumstances and explore alternative choices.. They are supported to develop the mental resilience, motivation and tools to make positive decisions. Sessions include personal goal setting as well visits from drug and alcohol services, an ex-offender focussing on County Lines, street first-aid where they will learn life-saving skills and outdoor education building team dynamics, confidence and leadership skills.
The programme starts with 1:1 mentoring with an experienced A4Y mentor to establish a rapport and set goals using our evaluation tool, Outcomes Star. These valuable 1:1 sessions continue throughout the programme to track progress and build on the foundations learnt during the activity sessions. Helping keep the focus on reflecting with the young person their behaviour and choices to enable them to make more positive decisions going forwards.
Schools say The Breakout Programme is essential in supporting young people at risk and helping them re-engage with education.
How was it developed?
Want to find out more?
For an informal chat about how the programme could work in your school contact Programme Director, Emily Davis on 0300 003 2334
We run regular bite size webinars for schools to hear more about the programme and case studies. Places are limited, to secure your place contact office@action4youth.org
Investing in young people who are approaching a crossroads in their lives and helping them to make healthy choices is of benefit to them, their families and to wider society. There is nothing better than seeing a young person grow and start to realise their potential – programmes like BreakOut really do make a difference.
Sir Francis J S Habgood QPM DL
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What young people say about the programme
Before Breakout Kelvina (14), thought knife crime exciting, but not now:
“It’s not fun. It’s a reality, it’s not a joke.”
Macy (15) whose brother was in a gang, says Breakout has helped her work towards a positive future:
“I used to think that it was all cool to hang out with people who were doing drugs and getting themselves into gangs, but now I realise that it does mess with your head and affects your family, and getting a good job.”
Harvey* (15) said:
“I can see how devastating it would be for my family and friends if things got out of hand. I thought I had things under control, but I see how quickly that could change.”
Have a few questions and want quick answers?
The Breakout Programme is a 12-week initiative aimed at preventing vulnerable young people from engaging in knife crime and gang activities. It combines mentoring, classroom sessions and outdoor education to bring about positive changes in the lives of at-risk youths.