TeenagerA project to steer young people away from crime and improve their lives has been launched in Salford.

As part of its ongoing transformation journey Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is working closely with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Salford City Council (SCC) to bring a new approach to the way local youngsters and their families in Salford are supported. 

The latest project, known as Salford Integrated Prevention Hub (SIPH), comes after GMFRS, with the assistance of partners, was successful in securing a Government bid when £0.49million was granted to improve youth systems and available services.  

The funding secured in 2014 has been complemented by over £500,000 of support through the use of existing staff from the three partners. 

Across Salford there are four hubs, where teams made up of existing staff and new recruits from a range of backgrounds are working from.  The hubs are located at Eccles Fire Station, Swinton Police Station, Little Hulton Children’s Centre and The Beacon Centre in Charlestown. 

Each of the four teams deliver multi-agency services aimed at providing a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to the way the three organisations previously worked with young people and their families. 

As the new referral system identifies those in need of support at the earliest opportunity the project brings numerous benefits, including reduced demand on public services and more importantly improving the quality of life of young people in Salford along with their families. 

Young people who require support will be identified and referred by a number of services that have direct contact with them – including Salford City Council youth services, GMFRS, GMP and schools. 

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: “The SIPH project helps young people, aged 11 to 25, and their families by supporting them to deal with issues they are experiencing, or may find themselves involved with. 

“The integrated teams will also deliver multi-disciplinary safety education encompassing all partners’ requirements to young people, both in and out of a school environment. 

“We will use combined intelligence, analysis and interventions to identify and engage with those most ‘in need’, with the overall aim of helping the young people of Salford have a better quality of life. 

“The project has the potential to save £14million if it is successful.” 

Councillor John Merry, assistant mayor for children and young people, Salford City Council, said: “The potential to change individual lives for the better and reduce the impact on public services both now and in the long-term is immense. It’s bringing together all the expertise these young people and their families need to transform their lives.”