Be You – A safe space for young girls to create, empower, build resilience and reduce the risk of criminality.

Our statutory and school partners are telling us that girls are becoming involved in the Youth Justice System (YJS) at a younger age and for more serious offences. Be You is a response to the increasing pressure on girls who are often coerced into criminality through their peers, gangs or just wanting to belong. Social media adds to this pressure, leaving little safe space for girls to make informed or safe choices. Through Be You, girls can safely explore the challenges and pressures they feel, reflect on the decisions and choices they make and build confidence and resilience to say no or to understand the consequences of their actions. Sandwell girls are offending at a younger age and for more serious crimes. This offending is linked to poor mental health, poverty and early trauma/abuse in families. BCWA aims to support girls to overcome trauma and inspire them to choose a better path. We provide 1-2-1 and group support for girls to build their self-confidence, challenge their beliefs, help each other and empower them to make better choices.

#NEW #EWB

Opening hours

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Accessibility details

We recognise that young people need a range of agencies at different times. BCWA has an extensive partnership with both statutory and community sector partners and are confident to refer, advocate and represent as necessary. We have established positive relationships with key professionals who we will work with us to identify the issues faced by our clients and attempt to prevent their escalation into involvement with the youth justice system. Our spaces are wheelchair-accessible and we can provide interpreters, including BSL.

Staff qualifications

The majority of BCWA's Women's Justice team have degrees in criminology or psychology and have studied counselling. They have extensive experience of working with people with personal and systemic disadvantages having worked in the probation service, as prison officers or with perpetrators, homeless people or drug services. We understand that many young people vulnerable to risky choices/behaviour may have additional support and emotional needs. Creating a space enabling them to be heard provides access to other BCWA services such as counselling, CHISVA and family support. BCWA’s wider team represents the communities we serve and understand how to navigate complex cultural, religious and family dynamics.

Categories

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING, PERSONAL, SCHOOL LIFE/BEHAVIOUR AND PEER RELATIONSHIPS