Support for vulnerable young people will continue to be provided during lockdown
A project supporting hundreds of vulnerable young people in Sussex has been digitally adapted so it can continue during the lockdown.
REBOOT is an early intervention programme to help children and young people make positive choices instead of becoming involved in crime.
With the challenge of isolation and social distancing hitting young people the hardest, it is seen as more important than ever that they receive structured guidance.
Therefore Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has digitally adapted the REBOOT programme to ensure that young people coming to the attention of the police continue to receive vital early intervention.
Before, PCSOs would visit the home of the family and REBOOT coaches would offer one-on-one personalised support. However, all face-toface support in people’s homes and community settings has been temporarily suspended so REBOOT is now engaging with young people and their families solely via telephone, video conferencing and online activities.
Sergeant Kate Blackbourn, operational policing lead for REBOOT, said: “The necessary measures that have been put in place to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, greatly reduce the structure that was in place for so many young people and is likely to have a significant and lasting effect on them. We therefore need to do all that we can to mitigate this.”
The PCC has made it clear that the lockdown does not mean that criminals are staying at home. She warned that this crisis could amplify crimes like County Lines, now that many children will be living in difficult situations at home, without social interaction or support during the day at school, and spending most of their time online.
Mrs Bourne said: “What REBOOT has taught us so far is that young people thrive in structured, positive and encouraging environments, which we know many across Sussex may not have at home.
“There is a concern from police and partners that this crisis could not only limit the development of these children significantly but also that it could make those already vulnerable, even more susceptible to exploitation from criminals who seek to benefit from this pandemic.”
Carl, a REBOOT coach, is still engaging with young people via video chat and has prepared a structured personalised plan for them all to see them through isolation.
He said: “Even though we are in lockdown there are still young people out there who need our help. Yes, things have had to change in the way we have contact with them but the fact that we are still able to give effective support over the phone or video calls shows how unique REBOOT is.”
One of the young people supported by the scheme said: “It’s difficult not being able to go out when I want to and I know that some people are not sticking to the rules. Before lockdown I used to be out all the time and I didn’t really have much of a relationship with my family. The lockdown has actually brought us closer together, with Carl’s help.
“Video chat means I can still talk to Carl every day, especially when I’m struggling. We talk about my plan and it really makes me think about things, which sometimes is hard, but I know that it’s helping me.”