Information on Loughborough

Volunteers needed from Loughborough

Posted on 20/08/2007
P. Klein

volunteersA revolutionary project aimed at reducing crime and making a difference to young people is looking for people from Loughborough to volunteer.

The Leicestershire Youth Offending Service (YOS) mentoring initiative is trying to reduce and prevent youth offending (targeting people between the age of 8 and 17) is looking for local residents to assist.

Volunteers work with young people who are showing anti-social behaviour or perhaps have been given a reprimand, final warning or perhaps have received a court order.

The Leicestershire County Council scheme has volunteers from all areas " representing both ethnicity and location. The scheme has volunteers from most areas but still needs people from Loughborough.

Mentors are positive role models who provide support for young people, helping them to tackle the issues which are putting them at risk of further offending.

They are also involved in helping reduce crime and the fear of crime, as well as having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Byron Rhodes, the County Councils Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "Leicestershire Youth Offending Service was placed second in England and Wales by the Youth Justice Board for its overall results. We have successfully reduced new entrants to the criminal justice system and cut the number of young people who re-offend. Volunteers make an enormous contribution to this achievement and find the work highly rewarding."

Sarah, from Loughborough has been working as a mentor for over six months. She said: "Working with young people to help them discover their talents, reach their goals, and turn their lives around has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Anyone who is interested or would like to find out more should contact Kelly Hounslow via email at khounslow@leics.gov.uk or by calling 0116 260 6000.