YOUTH WORK IN A&E
Youth workers in hospitals
Navigators are youth workers deployed in the Accident and Emergency departments at Alder Hey Children’s, The Royal Liverpool University and Aintree hospitals. They explore the opportunity to support victims, and in some cases perpetrators of violence to evaluate the success of long-term intervention work.
The youth workers also have the skills and knowledge to connect the young person to support agencies, to source guidance in improving their health, wellbeing, and their resilience. The project aims to give young people opportunities to develop and get involved in new activities and ultimately improving their options in life while also increasing their safety. Its ambition to roll out the model across other Accident and Emergency departments in Merseyside.
Long-term benefits “starting to emerge”
Read a Liverpool John Moores Evaluation Report on Navigators and see how it has helped young people at their lowest ebb.
Those injured by serious violence including knife-crime and bullying are referred to specially trained youth workers from the Merseyside Youth Association RAISE Team at three Merseyside hospitals.
Examples of support given, include provision of immediate crisis and safety support; referral to support services relating to mental health and well-being; and providing parents/guardians with advice and encouragement.
Embedding a new scheme like Navigators within hospital trusts has been a challenge well-met by the team and the report highlights how they made that happen. Plus, it advises when in the patient journey is best to intervene.
