We’re currently working on a Pilot Study evaluation of Salford Foundation’s STEER project. This is a Pilot Study evaluation which includes both a pilot Randomised Control Trial as well as an implementation and process evaluation. STEER is a six-month, semi-structured programme which pairs young people (aged 10-17 years old) with a youth worker (mentor) for six months, following referral from Greater Manchester Police due to having peers or family member(s) involved in serious violence, organised crime or gangs.

Through two hours of weekly 1-2-1 sessions and casework, STEER mentors deliver activities from a toolkit including mandatory units such as anger management, safety planning and relationship mapping, and optional units including drugs misuse and family relationships. In addition to this, parents/carers of all young people are given the option of 14 hours of family support sessions with a Family Support Worker across the 6-months to facilitate greater family cohesion.

Young people exit the programme once a suitable moving on plan has been co-designed between them and their mentor. This will include positive activities with peers, increased engagement with education and improved aspirations, and better communication between relatives, with the option of signposting to mainstream services if ongoing support is required.

YEF have recently published the Pilot Trial Protocol which sets out how the Pilot Study will be delivered. This has been delivered through a co-production approach between Cordis Bright, the Divert Plus team and YEF. The protocol can be accessed below and further information is available on the YEF website.