Champions is a custody intervention programme aimed to reduce reoffending, which forms part of the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network. It is aimed at 18-25-year-olds who find themselves in police custody for committing a violent crime. Following release, individuals who consent to engage with Champions are given positive motivation for change through the support of our Custody Intervention Coach. This includes helping individuals to access community-based services and activities which promote personal development and progression into employment, education or training.
Our Custody Intervention Coach is NOT a police officer and all conversations are completely confidential. Champions is voluntary and the decision to engage with the programme is up to the young adult. The programme is independent of the current police investigation and any subsequent criminal charges.
Champions Youth is a preventative programme aimed at 10–17-year-olds who are at risk of entering the Criminal Justice System. Young people are assigned a one-to-one Mentor with whom they co-produce a personal development plan, which outlines goals they want to achieve.