Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has pledged a second year of funding to support youth workers at Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals, aiming to tackle youth violence and vulnerability in the area.
The initiative, delivered by the charity No Limits in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, provides specialised support for young people aged 11 to 25 who attend emergency departments due to violence, exploitation or complex social issues.
Since its launch, youth workers have supported 152 young people through more than 480 interactions, addressing mental health, substance misuse and safeguarding concerns.
The project focuses on early intervention at critical moments, helping to prevent harm and signposting young people to further support services.
Feedback from those helped has been positive, with one young person saying the youth workers “have been lifesavers” and another expressing gratitude for the support received in Poole A&E.
Debbie Anderson, Charity Director, said the service will soon expand with a social prescribing worker to strengthen community support for young people.
