Trusted Relationships
Over the past four years, emerge have been one of the five delivery partners of a project called Trusted Relationships working across Bradford. Trusted Relationships supported young people at risk of exploitation in all its forms, using a 1-2-1 engagement model to reduce their risk of future exploitation and establish healthy, positive life patterns through increased resilience, informed decision making and ongoing engagement in regular youth work and activities.
Sadly, the project has recently ended, but it was funded through the Home Office, receiving referrals through Bradford Council’s Children’s Services. Working alongside Barnardo’s, Bradford YMCA, JAMES and Project 6 we have together supported well over 400 young people across the city.
Within emerge, Steph has led this work since it started, so as it ended, it has been encouraging and a little emotional to review the impact this work has had. Over the four years, emerge received 63 referrals. Each was a young person aged between 10 and 15 who we engaged at a really low point in their life. Each one received between 3 and 6 months of 1-2-1 sessions, meeting at least weekly to both discuss the issues which led to them being part of the project, and engaging them in activities which we hoped would last beyond the time of support.
Steph says….
“It has been a privilege to be part of so many transformational journeys with young people from all over Bradford. The relationships formed and experiences shared have been eye opening but so rewarding. I just wanted to thank the team for all your support in providing these young people with amazing memories in enabling them to access emerge opportunities”.
In a recent meeting with one young person who has recently finished her TR engagement, her school, her social worker and her parent all complemented emerge for the difference which they have seen in the young person’s life, describing it as “a remarkable turnaround”. We hope this positive change will continue as this individual continues to attend our wider activities.