The YOLO Programme is a grassroots early intervention programme working with young people aged 10 to 16 at risk of criminality or anti-social behaviour, including those who have already come under the radar of police for carrying a weapon. The 20-week programme is run by the Newcastle United Foundation in close collaboration with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit, offering targeted interventions including mentoring, one-to-one support in schools and communities and education sessions around the law, drugs and alcohol. The Foundation seeks to offer an alternative to young people from involvement in the criminal justice system and supports them to access the things that matter to them and that can help them achieve a more positive future, It facilitates a range of activities targeted to the specific needs of the young person, including free weekly football sessions or music and art sessions.
The results of the programme have been promising, with 87% of YOLO participants reporting that the programme has helped them grow in confidence, feel able to achieve their goals and feel greater optimism about the future.