Focus Deterrence Programme Shows Positive Early Impact

Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme’s Focus Deterrence pilot is already showing encouraging signs of positive impact as it provides targeted mentoring and support to young people across South Yorkshire.

The programme began in February in partnership with South Yorkshire Police & the VRU (Violence Reduction Unit), supporting young people identified as being at risk of involvement in knife crime. Through early intervention and one-to-one mentoring, Focus Deterrence aims to build trusted relationships, encourage positive choices and provide young people with the support they need to move forward.

Following an initial period of engagement with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), the programme received its first referral towards the end of May. Since then, 16 young people have been referred, with every parent or carer contacted to discuss the support available.

Six referral meetings have so far been arranged, with five successfully completed. Four young people have been allocated a mentor, with the first participant already completing three weekly mentoring sessions and three more preparing to begin.

Although still in its early stages, the programme has already received encouraging feedback from the parent of one young person.

“He enjoyed it and asked when he was going again before we got to the car. He’s been talking about it at school as well.”

Following another week, they added: “He’s had a great week at school and we went to visit his auntie, who said she could see a difference in him already.”

Safeguarding remains central to the programme, with every referral reviewed by SWFCCP’s Safeguarding Lead and support tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of each young person. Staff delivering the programme have also completed knife crime training to strengthen their understanding of the issues and motivations surrounding knife crime.

As the pilot develops, SWFCCP will continue to review and adapt its approach to ensure young people receive the most effective support possible. Participant interviews are also planned to help capture their experiences and understand the programme’s longer-term impact.

For more information, please contact: community@swfccp.co.uk