Today is the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s passing and as we remember Mandela’s life and achievements it is a fitting time to announce that Mandela8 and Taking Shape we will be running an innovative programme for young people in the New Year and we are delighted to have MSB Solicitors onboard and support of our local councillors in Princes Park ward, Liverpool8.
The programme is designed for young people who lack positive opportunity and are at risk of or are experiencing violent crime or exploitation. They may also be disengaged from school and at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded from school and socially and economically excluded in their communities.
The programme will include restorative justice practices and aims to find enduring solutions to prevent young people from becoming involved in crime and violence and will support them to recognise consequences, understand cause and effect, reduce naivety and increase their resilience and strength to not get involved. It will also support cultural change around the acceptability of certain behaviours and activities and how to prevent succumbing to peer pressure to support them to develop them into young leaders of the future.
Sonia Bassey Mandela8 Chair said: “Mandela8 will always focus on community needs and it is now more than ever we need to support and nurture young people in our communities and create opportunities for them to thrive.”
Kev Stuart Founding Member and Director of Taking Shape said: “Working with young people is at the heart of what we do and it is critical to ensure they have the right support and opportunities. We are excited to be working with Mandela8 to support young people in their communities and to bring our experience with us.”
Emma Carey, Managing Partner at MSB said: “Promotion of social mobility is a key issue for us at MSB. We recognise that we have an obligation to ensure we have a future profession that is representative of the community we serve. Equality is about recognising that not all people are equal and taking positive steps to make real changes. That’s why we are so proud to be part of this initiative, which is having a real and positive impact.”
Joanne Anderson and Tom Logan, Princes Park Ward Councillors said: “Having seen sight of the work Mandela8 and Taking Shape are doing in this area we are excited for them to start this work in our area. Programmes like this will provide guidance and support to young people who are often marginalised and prevented from gaining opportunity.”