Essex Youth Offending Service is searching for volunteers to help prevent crime in the community committed by young people. 

The search for volunteers comes into focus during International Restorative Justice Week, which runs from November 15 to 20 and aims to repair harm between the victim and the offender.

This enables young offenders to face the consequences of their actions and gives the victim the opportunity to ask questions such as why me?

The offender can meet face to face with the victim to hear how the crime has affected them and their family.

The Youth Offending Service Theare looking for volunteers from the community to help prevent re-offending by young people ages 10-17.

Volunteers will be trained to be Community Panel Members and will be asked to commit to the rewarding project for at least a year.

Volunteers will meet with the young person, their parents and sometimes the victims to draw up a contract to address their offending behaviour.

They will be not only be given the opportunity to work closely with young people to prevent re-offending, but also to make some reparation to the victim or the community affected by their crime.

Councillor Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Children, said: “Volunteering for the Youth Offending Service is an excellent opportunity for the community of Essex to help prevent crime and make a difference.

“Volunteers can help the young offender by ensuring they take responsibility for their actions and reflect on the harm caused to the victim.

"They can encourage the offender to make amends and help give the victim the opportunity to explain to the offender the real impact of their crime.”

For more details, please contact Cally Lewis (cally.lewis@essex.gov.uk or 03330 139747).