Hanover Inpractice

# 6
HANOVER GLEBE, NUNEATON
“Youth made amends now!”
“
The residents weren’t
like I imagined!
”
– Ben
Estate Manager David Burns helps out his
local youth offending team in his spare time.
He saw an opportunity for a first time
offender to help out residents on his estate.
He arranged for 14 year old Ben*, who was
interested in working with older people, to
undertake his 10 hours ‘reparation’ service
under David’s supervision. The estate’s
lounge needed a make-over as it had become
quite shabby – the perfect project!
David consulted his residents about the
placement – Ben committed a low-level crime
and was considered low risk. Once reassured,
the residents were very positive and keen to
help. They chatted to Ben during breaks and
were very pleased with his work.
The initiative was mutually beneficial and
also helped to bridge the generation gap. Ben
was apparently very taken aback by the
diversity at the estate as he previously had a
certain view of older people and of
retirement housing. The residents were very
glad to have been involved and they are more
than happy to help a youth offender again.
David reckons that any Estate Manager can
establish links with their local youth
offending team (YOT) – an onsite risk
assessment will be done beforehand and a
member of the YOT will supervise the young
person at all times.
You can find your nearest team by
logging on to www.yjb.gov.uk
*name changed to protect identity
Getting
involved