WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Statistics show that an alarmingly high number of young people across the UK are turning to a life of crime. In 2020 – 2021 8,800 young people were convicted of a crime for their first time, their first step into the Youth Justice System, and within the same year 3,500 proven knife or offensive weapons offences involving young people were recorded. Our mentorship programme has proven to be a powerful tool in educating & deterring young people from the grooming process & entering a life of crime and providing the opportunities & pathways needed for change. 

Feedback from young people tells us that our Lived Experience helps them to form trusting and impactful relationships with us, which in turn enables us to mentor and educate them effectively to make positive life choices. Our personal backstories are ones that capture the young people to engage more openly with us, giving us a professional advantage in improving outcomes for the youth of today. 

County lines adverts on Instagram and Snapchat designed to groom children and young people now resemble professional job adverts.

– Primary School children as young as seven were now getting involved in drug running. Thousands of children and young people were getting pulled in every year through this grooming process.

– Adverts on Instagram and Snapchat for young people to get involved in county lines look professionally done – ‘recruitment opportunities available’. Families are struggling, and with professional advertising young people think they are going to help out their families.”

– Vulnerability is changing all the time. They are targeting more affluent children. Every child can be exploited criminally.

– Some girls have been forced to take on “debts” for their boyfriends they are expected to repay.

– Young children can be given free vapes along with bicycles, sweets, magazines, or even free sandwiches to entice them to get involved with county lines groomers.

– Children can also be reeled in through online gaming platforms where groomers befriend them in internet gaming chatrooms, give them coins to enable them to play more games. Children can be groomed without leaving their bedrooms.

Identification of Gaps in Youth Support:

On The Verge in Leeds was born out of a profound recognition of the inadequacies in existing youth support systems. Traditional educational structures often fall short in addressing the multifaceted challenges that children and young individuals grapple with in today’s complex society. The organisation’s genesis lies in a commitment to bridge these gaps and provide tailored support where it is needed most.

Addressing the Unique Needs of At-Risk Individuals:

One of the paramount reasons for On The Verge’s necessity lies in our ability to address the unique needs of at-risk individuals. By acknowledging the diverse challenges faced by each child, our programs offer targeted support for issues such as County Lines, Knife Crime, Joint Enterprise, Social Media and Grooming. This tailored approach creates an environment where at-risk youth feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Conclusion:

In a society where the challenges faced by children and young individuals are complex and diverse, On The Verge is not just needed; it is indispensable. By combining group sessions, mentorship, preventative measures, and targeted education, we create a comprehensive framework for positive change. Our commitment to addressing the unique needs of at-risk individuals reflects our dedication to creating a safer, more informed, and supportive community. We are not just an organisation; it is a transformative force empowering youth, enlightening communities, and shaping a brighter future for all.