Wirral's youth inclusion programme (YIP) works with the 50 individuals most likely to engage in crime or anti-social behaviour. The aim is to help these young people change their behaviour. Several young women fall into the 'top 50'. A separate group, focused on their needs, runs alongside the mixed YIP.
Twelve young women aged 13 to 17 who had been reluctant to engage with other services attend the group. Agencies such as Connexions, Youth Offending Service, education, and family support workers refer people to the group. There are also self-referrals.
The group has been running once a week since 2006. It provides educational activities focused on sexual health, healthy living, and drug and alcohol abuse. There are skills development sessions including film-making and arts and crafts. The young women have asked for sessions in health and beauty, and cooking. Participants have opportunities to help with the design and planning of all the activities. The project is shaped by the young women's ideas and is:
A project that they want to be part of
YOT Manager
Each session costs about £60. Funding comes from the youth offending service and the Working Neighbourhoods Fund. The young women say they are less intimidated in a same sex group and more able to be themselves. Attendance leads to improved behaviour. Four young women had been charged with an offence in the year before the group, and only one has been charged with an offence since attending the group. Two young women have avoided ABCs since joining the scheme.