Creating safer hopeful futures

Tackling violence, especially when it involves young people is not a simple or straightforward task. While enforcement is a key part of Dorset Police’s approach, education, prevention and early intervention are vital to get ahead of the problem. In Dorset, there are several ways I support this; through my Violence Reduction and Prevention Team, the Safer Schools and Communities Team and with our partners across the county.

In the past year, I have co-funded an initiative in emergency departments at University Hospitals Dorset, where youth workers provide expert support for young people aged between 11 and 25 who come to emergency departments or are admitted to hospital as victims of crime, or having been involved in violence. This project offers specialised emotional support, crisis intervention and access to ongoing services for young people in need of help and it is hoped the initiative will help to significantly reduce the likelihood of future re-admissions to hospital from this age group, ensuring young people are safer.

Another initiative I have helped to fund, which I would like to introduce you to today, is with the organisation 100 & First Foundation. I truly believe that one of the most impactful ways we can divert young people from serious violence, is by providing positive role models to help build resilience and demonstrate an alternative route. I’ll hand over to Sam Cload, CEO & Founder of 100 & First Foundation to explain more.

“100 & First Foundation is a Dorset-based charity working alongside schools, prisons, communities and local partners to help people facing some of life’s toughest challenges. We believe everyone deserves the same chance to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Despite Dorset’s affluent reputation, many young people face poverty, safeguarding concerns, poor mental health and limited opportunity, increasing the risk of disengagement from education.

“In partnership with the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and Dorset Council, 100 & First Foundation delivers Level Up, an early-intervention project based at Budmouth Academy in Weymouth. Level Up supports disadvantaged young people who are struggling to engage with school or are at risk of exclusion, helping them to build confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging.

“At the heart of Level Up is high-quality, one-to-one mentoring delivered by a trusted adult with lived experience. Weekly sessions create a safe space for young people to talk openly about their lives while developing practical skills around emotional regulation, conflict management, toxic masculinity, mental health first aid and decision-making. The approach is strength-based, encouraging students to recognise their abilities and believe in their potential.

“The project has a strong preventative focus. Poor attendance, low-level disruptive behaviour and exclusion from school are known risk factors for later involvement in crime. By helping young people stay connected to education and feel supported within their school environment, Level Up acts as a protective factor. Guest speakers with lived experience provide insight into the long-term consequences of risky behaviour. Career mapping supports students to set realistic goals and steps.

“The impact of Level Up is already being felt across Budmouth Academy, with reductions in suspensions, subject removals and low-level disruptive behaviour, alongside quicker de-escalation of incidents. Attendance has also begun to improve, with young people reporting that having someone they trust in school gives them a reason to attend.

“As one member of staff reflected: ‘The work being done with these students is not only picking up safeguarding concerns but also improving attendance and reducing the low-level disruptive behaviour/anti-social behaviour on school site. I am fully aware how fortunate we are to have this provision at Budmouth.’

“The transformative impact is illustrated in the case study of C. Previously, C struggled with day-to-day school life, was frequently in conflict with teachers, spent time in the exclusion room and had poor attendance. Since engaging with Level Up, C has developed a better understanding of their support network and learned coping strategies to use when things become difficult. His attendance has improved, his suspension rate has reduced and he is now using his free time more productively, leading to positive changes at school and at home. As one teacher said: “We have noticed a real difference in C’s attitude and sense of belonging since September. C’s attendance is up and suspension rate is down.”

“These outcomes show how early intervention can change trajectories, strengthen communities, and create safer, hopeful futures.”

I’d like to thank Sam for describing the work 100 and First is carrying out to empower young people to make better decisions. I met with the team in person recently and their passion and enthusiasm for making a difference to young lives is clear. Later this year we’ll be running our second round of youth engagement, which is a crucial part of our youth strategy and we’ll be talking more about the projects we’ve invested in. Keeping young people safe and investing in their futures is vital and I’m determined to do all within my power to ensure we support what works to keep Dorset one of the safest places in the country.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner