COMMUNITY projects needing volunteers are being sought to give young offenders a sense of purpose and ownership during a rehabilitation programme based at Okehampton Camp.
The man behind C-FAR (Centre of Adolescent Rehabilitation) Trevor Philpott is interested in hearing from anyone who may have a suitable project in which the 'trainees' can play a part.
As reported in the Okehampton Times last week 12 young male offenders at a time will attend 10-week residential courses at the camp followed by nine months 'mentor' support.
C-FAR plans to run seven courses a year which Mr Philpott believes will promote self development and empowerment for individuals locked in a cycle of persistent re-offending.
'Part of the programme includes the trainees undertaking a project of work within the community and C-FAR is now looking to identify a suitable project for the first course which begins on June 23,' he said.
Examples might include working within a residential home, a disabled organisation, primary school or on churchyard maintenance, he added.
'It needs to be something that the young people can take ownership of during the next ten weeks and then give it back to the owners having made a positive contribution to the community.'
Mr Philpott said this sort of activity helped to break down barriers and fears.
'As time goes on we hope to engage more members of the community who might eventually come along and work with the young people particularly older people who have the skills and knowledge we want,' he said.
Anyone who has a project they think may be suitable should call Mr Philpott at Okehampton Camp on 01837 52241 ext 3219.