WEST Devon youngsters straying from the straight and narrow are to be given an opportunity to spend time with a 'role model', in the hope they might get their lives back on track.
The youths will be assigned a 'mentor', charged with providing a positive role model to support them and encourage them in their interests, to build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Project co-ordinator Michelle Shaw said the project, called 'Moves', is new and innovative and provides an independent, voluntary and confidential support service.
'The aim of the project is to engage with young people who are or who have been involved in the criminal justice system and who are or at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.'
Young offenders' involvement in the project will be voluntary, but it will give them access to a mentor for up to three hours a week over a 12-month period.
They will be asked to identify areas of interest they can explore with their mentor. This might range from educational and training opportunities, and decisions around career choice. It could also include leisure and sports activities which may otherwise have been inaccessible to them.
'The project is about facilitating the young people and the mentors on a journey to discover their full potential,' said Miss Shaw.
The project is being run by the Devon Youth Association, which has run a similar project in the Plymouth area. In West Devon, it is to work in partnership with the North Devon Youth Offending Team.
Miss Shaw said: 'For many of the young people who will access this service, this may be the first time that someone has been there just for them on a voluntary basis.
'It therefore provides the young people with the opportunity to reflect on the paths they have travelled and assess where they would like to go from this point on.
'It's about setting achievable goals in order to take control of one's life decisions and directions. Mentoring is an empowering process — a two-way learning process in which the community and young people can better understand the issues which affect our lives.'
Tim Tod, director of Devon Youth Association, added: 'We are very pleased to be able to work with the Youth Offending Team to be able to provide this innovative and supportive service to the young people in this area. We are the grit in the oyster which goes to aid the development of the pearl.'
The project is currently looking for mentors to work with young people in the West Devon area. Volunteers need to be over 18. Training and support will be provided. Contact Michelle Shaw on 01822 612555 before the end of January.