Emma Morris : Beyond Youth
What is Beyond Youth all about?
Beyond Youth (BY) deliver highly successful intensive group based interventions through their specialist and unique Chance 2 Change project for young offenders and those at risk of offending aged 14-25. The programme reduces reoffending amongst those referred, increases life chances and produces significant cost savings to society. BY increase the emotional intelligence of all those referred to enable them to make better life choices.
What is the social impact?
BY aim to address the increasing numbers of young people engaging in offending behaviour, gang related violence and the reoffending rates of those released from custody as well as increasing the numbers of young offenders in employment, education or training. The project delivers significant savings for the public purse. Through the Chance 2 Change programme we reduce offending behaviour by providing an intervention that tackles the REAL reasons why so many young people are entrenched within the criminal justice system and empowers them to make decisions that break the cycle of offending because they want to.
Who are the people involved?
In Emma's own words: "My motivation comes from my belief that young people deserve the space to be heard. I believe, through my own life experiences, that our environment causes our behaviour and therefore opportunities should be created, where a young person demonstrating offending behaviour is nurtured, not just punished. I have vast experience working within the Criminal Justice System and qualifications in Criminology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Forensic Psychology.
I am passionate about my work and my vision for a fairer society. I am proud of the way I am able to inspire others and this drives me to continue doing so."
Louise Voyce is Director of Operations at Beyond Youth CIC. She first became involved in the programme 6 years ago as a volunteer co-facilitator. In 2010 she joined Beyond Youth and is responsible for developing the Community programme across Essex and London and managing co-facilitators and peer mentors. Louise was responsible for the setting up, management and delivery of a large scale regional youth project.
Kathleen Cronin is a non-exec director. She has extensive experience and has worked in various leadership positions including with Edinburgh City Council. Later in her career Kathleen was CEO of British Youth Council.
What are the future plans?
BY are developing a franchise model to be rolled out nationally across the prison estate. The long term goal is for Chance 2 Change to be the standard intervention across prisons, youth offending teams and pupil referral units.
www.beyondyouth.org.uk based in Essex.