Medway Youth Turnaround Project
Supporting Young People Through Sports-Based Mentoring
Turnaround is a youth early intervention programme led by the Ministry of Justice. The programme provides multi-year funding to Youth Justice Services (YJSs) across England and Wales, enabling them to intervene earlier and improve outcomes for young people who are on the cusp of entering the youth justice system. This funding allows YJSs to support children and young people who are not currently on their statutory caseload.
Following a highly competitive tender process, Strive to Be CIC is proud to have been selected to deliver this important work in partnership with Medway Council and the Medway Youth Justice Service.
12–16 Hours of Support Each Week
As part of this programme, Strive to Be CIC delivers an intensive 12–16 hours per week mentoring and sport programme, working closely with schools and partner agencies to provide consistent, positive support for young people.
Mentoring Through Passions
We mentor through each young person's passions and interests, helping them set meaningful goals, explore opportunities and develop the belief and determination to achieve them.
A Team of Role Models
Our fantastic team of role models, coaches and mentors build strong relationships with schools, partners and, most importantly, the young people themselves.
Clear Pathways Forward
We work with schools and partner agencies to create clear exit plans and support educational progression, employment opportunities and long-term career pathways.
Through mentoring, sport and education, we help young people build confidence, resilience, positive relationships and aspirations for the future. Our aim is to help every young person realise their potential and make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
Sports-Based Mentoring
1-to-1 Sessions
Working closely with the Medway Youth Justice Service, our mentors provide 1-to-1 sports-based mentoring sessions that include:
- Football
- Basketball
- Fitness
- Pickleball
Beyond Physical Activity
These sessions go beyond physical activity — they focus on developing:
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Positive relationships
- Resilience and aspirations for the future
The GROW Framework
Through coaching and mentoring, Rob helps young people identify and work towards their personal goals using a structured approach focused on:
Goals
Setting realistic and meaningful targets
Reality
Understanding current challenges and barriers
Options
Exploring positive choices and opportunities
Will
Building motivation and commitment to progress
This process is built on trust, honesty, and consistency. Weekly reviews ensure goals are adjusted and progress is recognised — even if it's just by 1% at a time.
Why Turnaround Matters
Early intervention and prevention are central to the Government's Safer Streets mission, which aims to:
- Halve knife crime within a decade
- Intervene earlier to prevent youth involvement in crime
- Reduce anti-social behaviour in local communities
The Turnaround Project aligns with these goals and builds on the success of the Supporting Families programme, demonstrating the power of joined-up, holistic support for children and their families.
Who Can Access This Programme?
Children may be eligible for the Turnaround Project if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Subject to No Further Action (NFA) following arrest
- Given a Community Resolution
- Receiving a first-time youth caution (excluding conditional cautions)
- Released under investigation (RUI) or on pre-charge bail (PCB)
- Discharged or acquitted by a court
- Fined by a court with no further outcome
- In receipt of a Community Protection Order (CPO), Civil Order, or Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) for anti-social behaviour
Ages: 10–17 years old
Referral Pathway
Referrals can be made through the Medway Youth Justice/Service Team or directly via Strive To Be CIC if you are a parent or carer seeking support.
It is anticipated that:
- Police will be the main referrers, submitting cases to Triage.
- Where an outcome follows a court appearance, the Case Manager will complete the Prevention Referral and send it to Triage.
- Community Safety teams will refer children subject to CPOs, Civil Orders, or ABCs for anti-social behaviour.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about the Turnaround Project or need support with referrals, we'd love to hear from you.
Turnaround Project · Strive to be CIC · Creating inclusive opportunities for our community