Northumberland Lads Group

Young males in Northumberland are being supported to enhance their self esteem and tackle issues affecting many young people.

The “Lads Group” is a joint venture between the Teenage Pregnancy Team / Care Trust and Connexions Northumberland and works with young males aged 13-16 from Ashington High School, Northumberland C of E Academy and Atkinson House.

Support is provided through information sessions and one to one support. Each week the young people involved choose the topic for the following week, allowing enough time for resources to be prepared

Topics covered include:

• Bullying
• Knife crime
• Gang culture
• Youth unemployment and options available including FE, training, E2E, Armed forces etc. This emphasises the need for attending school and exams and options open after leaving school.
• Sexual Health and internet pornography, including staying safe.
• Substance misuse including Talk to Frank, alcohol impact on young men, Sorted and extensive IAG.
• YOI's and the justice system and all aspects of issues related to how this can effect future employment etc.

This project has been successful and well received by the young males involved.