This project was established in 1999 and since that time we have trained over 100 mentors and over 80 young people have benefited from one-to-one mentoring.

The aim is to steer young people awat from crime. Mentors are not expected to have all the answers, or any formal qualifications, they just need to be good listeners.

The age range for participants in OMP is 11-25 years and referrals are accepted based on a young persons risk of offending or re-offending.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, although most are either in full-time emplpyment or higher education. They give their time up for at least one hour per week. Relationships normally last between 6 and 12 months.

Mentors are expected to take part in an initial 24 hours training (8 weeks x 3 hours). This covers an introduction to volunteering, communication skills, child protection, youth justice, informal education and equal opportunities. In addition to this we have invited speakers who will talk on subjects such as drugs, YOT's, youth issues and face-to-face mentoring.

For further information speak to our programme contact (see above/left).


Northumbria Coalition Against Crime, Northumbria Police HQ, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0BL
Telephone 01661 868 424, Fax 01661 868488, E-mail info@thecoalition.org.uk