New mentors for young offenders

Community volunteers in Swindon are to start working alongside professionals from the Youth Offending Team, mentoring young offenders.

Twelve new JUMP mentors have recently qualified to work with young people serving a community order.

The volunteers have undergone training to help turn offenders away from crime, and to return them to education.

JUMP is an initiative funded by the Learning Skills Council and managed by the Swindon Youth Offending Team.

The new mentors will bring their own individual skills and be matched with a youngster who will be offered one hour a week on a one-to-one basis over a six-month period.