New initiatives launched to prevent youth violence in city

Four new initiatives have been launched in Wolverhampton to help prevent youth violence and provide targeted support for young people at risk of exclusion or offending.

Commissioned by the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, the programmes include detached outreach delivered by Inpower Academy and Wolves Foundation, targeted prevention in schools led by Mandem Meet Up, a high‑risk intervention programme through EYES2Success, and mentoring from YMCA.

Each expands on successful approaches already operating in the city, strengthening early intervention and support for vulnerable young people.

The detached outreach work sees a mobile engagement vehicle deployed in key locations such as the city centre and Bentley Bridge. Staffed by youth workers, lived‑experience mentors and partner‑agency professionals, the team focuses on positive engagement with young people through conversation, gaming, sport and workshops including knife‑crime prevention. Young people seeking further help are referred into an approved mentoring scheme.

Mandem Meet Up supports marginalised boys aged 12 to 14 who are at risk of exclusion, offending or violence. Delivered through outdoor nature‑based sessions with secondary schools, the programme includes the Aspiration positive‑masculinity project and new trauma‑informed Accountability, Construction and Compassion workshops, helping boys build confidence, resilience and self‑awareness. Those needing more focused help receive one‑to‑one mentoring and family support, offering tailored guidance to young people and families affected by serious youth violence or trauma.

EYES2Success delivers a high‑risk intervention programme for young people involved with the criminal justice system. The initiative gives them access to a wider range of specialist organisations and allows them, alongside offender management teams, to choose the support that best meets their needs. The service works with those facing the highest levels of risk and complexity, providing mentoring, safeguarding support and opportunities to learn practical trade skills to help them move into education or employment.

Meanwhile, YMCA is offering one-to-one mentoring and family support to people identified by outreach services as requiring further help. This tailored guidance is provided to young people and families affected by serious youth violence or trauma.

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "We have an excellent track record of delivering prevention and intervention services for vulnerable young people, and these new initiatives will further strengthen our response to, and prevention of, serious youth violence and anti‑social behaviour across Wolverhampton.

"These initiatives are about giving young people the support, guidance and opportunities they deserve before harm occurs. By working directly in communities, in schools and with those at the highest risk, we can intervene earlier, build trust and help young people find safer, more positive paths. “This joined‑up approach will make a real difference to families and neighbourhoods across Wolverhampton and strengthen our collective effort to keep our city safe."

The Safer Wolverhampton Partnership is the statutory Community Safety Partnership and local police and crime board for the city, bringing together agencies to reduce crime, disorder and anti‑social behaviour. It coordinates multi‑agency efforts to improve community safety, focusing on violence prevention, domestic abuse and reducing reoffending.