Nationally, there is an increasing number of young people involved in gang activity and violent crime. To help navigate individuals away from gang culture towards a more positive path, intervention is crucial. At YMCA MK, we have the staff and support services needed to help local vulnerable young people lead a safer and healthier life. That is why we launched our Hospital Navigator Scheme in 2021.
Hospitals are one of the key settings to identify and signpost young people involved in gang activity, as there is a growing number of individuals presenting at emergency departments due to incidents of assault and serious violence. This is a trend that has been identified in Milton Keynes, and one of the main factors for this is violence within the under 25s.
Funded by Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit and in partnership with Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH), our Hospital Navigator and team of volunteers provide support to young people who present at MKUH A&E due to assault and serious violence.
Through this initiative, we can support young people and navigate them back into the community, building resilience and offering mentoring to prevent further incidents that could lead them back into hospital.
If you’re over 18 and would like to make a difference by becoming a Hospital Navigator Volunteer, complete the form below to apply.
