A NEW project will see youth workers embedded in Accident and Emergency departments across Greater Manchester.

As part of the GM Navigator project, youth workers will be based in hospitals alongside dedicated clinical leads to support vulnerable young people aged 10 to 25 who are admitted to Emergency Departments because of violence.

The youth workers will work with the young person for up to six weeks, helping them to access local support networks and prevent further violence.

The project has been commissioned by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and is being delivered by the national charity, Oasis.

Royal Bolton Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital are involved in the 12-month pilot and researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University will evaluate the service.

Dr Rachel Jenner, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Clinical Lead for Greater Manchester’s VRU said: “Having the skill and expertise of the GM Navigators working directly in the hospital setting to engage with, support and mentor young people who have been victims of violence is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the

Bev Hughes, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Policing Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “Violent crime causes serious harm to those involved, victims and their families. The launch of the

The GM Navigator project is part of a series of initiatives being delivered by the VRU – to find out more about the unit visit: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/police-and-fire/violence-reduction-unit/