DPFCC Mike Johnson, Child Centred Policing Team, and Barnardo’s RISE practitioners met at Cumbria Constabulary HQ to reflect on the RISE project. 

The Child Centred Policing team with Cumbria Constabulary have identified that 65.5% of children completing the programme have not come back to police attention in any way.

From April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, 57 young people have been referred to the RISE programme, a countywide early intervention child mentor scheme, aimed at targeting young people with increased risk of entering the Criminal Justice System.

Collectively, they have received 322 mentoring sessions and 98 sessions supporting their families.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall commissioned Barnardo’s £289,000 over two years, to deliver the RISE project, an early intervention 1- 2- 1 scheme, for young people displaying risk taking behaviours. 

Deputy police, fire and crime commissioner (DPFCC) Mike Johnson comments: “It’s really positive that parents, practitioners and professionals from several services, have identified significant positive changes in the young people who have been supported by the RISE programme over the last year.

“It’s clear that the RISE practitioners understand how vital it is to work with everyone involved, including the young person’s school, signposting to specialist support services, as well as working together with the child’s family.

“The RISE programme puts the young person at the heart of solving the problem. The support is individually tailored to each young person’s needs.  It empowers them and ensures that the child’s voice is heard.”

Hannah Wilkinson, RISE team manager comments: “The first year of RISE has been a great success. The team is embedded within the Child Centred Policing teams across the county, working collaboratively to identify the children and young people who require support."

Inspector Neil Parkin works in the constabulary’s Child Centre Policing Team. He said: “These results show the huge success of this programme and is testament to both the skill and hard work of those involved and the willingness of the children to take part.

“The mentoring of these young people has positively helped them. It will have an overwhelmingly good impact on their lives now and in the future, including schooling, employment and, crucially, staying clear of the criminal justice system."