Wrexham and Flintshire Launch Pilot to Support At-Risk Youth

Wrexham and Flintshire have been selected as part of a national pilot program aimed at supporting young people at risk of engaging in crime. This initiative, which is also being implemented in Hertfordshire and Derbyshire, focuses on creating a framework for Young Future Panels to proactively identify and assist vulnerable youth.

The program is designed to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including police, local councils, health services, educational institutions, youth organizations, and community groups. These partnerships aim to address the underlying causes of serious violence and create new multi-agency panels to identify at-risk individuals aged 10 to 17. By connecting them with essential support services, such as mental health care, career guidance, mentoring, and family assistance, the initiative seeks to intervene before situations escalate into more serious issues.

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, expressed his enthusiasm for the pilot, stating, “I am pleased that Wrexham and Flintshire are part of this groundbreaking pilot project to support vulnerable young people and reduce violence.” He emphasized the importance of multi-agency cooperation, noting that it is integral to their work in North Wales. Dunbobbin highlighted that this initiative aligns with his broader plan to cut crime in the region and hopes it serves as a model for similar efforts across the country.

Collaborative Approach to Crime Prevention

The lead member for Children’s Services at Wrexham County Borough Council, Cllr Rob Walsh, described the pilot as an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships aimed at reducing the exploitation of youth. “This collaborative approach will ensure early identification of those at risk and timely interventions, helping to safeguard children and reduce their vulnerabilities to being involved in serious violence and crime,” he stated.

Diane Jones, Serious Violence Programme Lead at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, noted that Wrexham and Flintshire’s selection for this pilot reflects the dedication and hard work of all those involved. She pointed out that the initiative builds on the strong partnerships already established in the region to tackle serious violence. Jones added that the participation in this pilot underscores the significance of their ongoing efforts and will provide valuable insights for shaping violence reduction strategies in other areas not designated as Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) locations.

The pilot is set to run until March 2026, with findings expected to inform the future development and potential expansion of the program nationwide. Through this initiative, Wrexham and Flintshire are taking proactive steps to address youth vulnerability and prevent crime, aiming for a safer community for all.