Introduction
Plusone Mentoring is an early intervention
programme designed by YMCA Scotland to offer
vulnerable young people an effective diversion
away from the criminal justice system. Launched in
2009 it became part of the UK Lottery’s Realising
Ambition programme in 2011 and is now
operating in almost half of the local authorities in
Scotland.
The programme has been evaluated on a
number of occasions and is widely recognised
for its impact in achieving significant change in
behaviour and attitudes. It targets 8-14 year olds
moving them out of the justice system before the
need for statutory intervention and investing in
their ability to be the best that they can possibly
be.
YMCA Scotland offers Plusone mentoring via
a franchise arrangement which has led to a
multi partner consortium of youth work agencies
delivering the programme. This report celebrates
these partnerships and the success of so many
young people achieving their fullest potential in life.
www.plusone.uk.com
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
“The Plusone mentoring programme has already helped divert young people away
from crime, so it is good to see that successful project being rolled out across
the country to benefit more young people. The Scottish Government is committed
to reducing offending, and the benefits of doing so improve life for everyone.
Education and early intervention are absolutely crucial to this and mentoring is an
excellent way to support our young people to become positive, productive members
of their communities and move away from offending behaviour. And our approach
is working. Crime is now at a 39 year low, and youth crime decreased by almost a
third between 2008-09 and 2011-12.”
(Plusone, Launch, June 2013)
www.plusone.uk.com
Context
Plusone Mentoring Programme engages with vulnerable young people who show a cluster of
risk factors. The young people are matched with a volunteer mentor from the community who is
screened, trained and supported for a year-long relationship. The overarching aim is to provide
a positive role model who builds a trusting relationship; introduces the young person to new
activities; encourages them to build confidence and to develop new skills across different settings
(i.e. home, school and community).
Plusone operates through a partnership referral group,
alongside colleagues from Police Scotland, social work,
education, health and third sector to ensure a holistic
approach to young people, in line with ‘Getting it Right
for Every Child’ and the Whole System Approach.
Each programme aims to achieve 20 matched
relationships per year. The mentors seek to establish
relevant action plans with the young people and
build their understanding of the link between their
behaviour, decisions they make and consequences. The
overarching aim is to reduce incidents of offending,
aggressive and antisocial behaviour, increase
engagement at school and help the young people
realise their potential.
In addition to training and supporting mentors, the
programme managers also provide advocacy and
broker support with families who can otherwise be
disconnected with their communities and find it hard to
access services.
The programme managers benefit from a national peer
support network to share best practice, training and
resources to stay faithful to the Plusone model in order
to replicate the positive outcomes of the pilot areas in
new communities.
“86% of young people had significantly improved their behaviour and changed their attitude to offending.” Dundee University 2011
Referral Sources
Social Work - 49%
Schools - 30%
Other - 12%
Community Safety - 5%
Police - 4%
www.plusone.uk.com
Key Achievements
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Engaging with 150 young people in 2013/14
Recruiting, screening, training & supporting over 150 volunteers
An excess of 5000 mentoring hours given by volunteer mentors
Replicating the programme in 9 new local authority areas
Replicating the significant impact of the pilot areas; substantially lowering young
people’s need and risk
The Young People’s Risk Factors
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Males account for 76% of those registered with Plusone; females account for 24%
Over half of clients (51%) were aged 12 to 14 years at the time of referral
Those below the age of 10 years accounted for 12% of clients
The majority (80%) were recorded as ‘White British’; 10 were recorded as ‘other’.
Over half of young people (58%) were considered to be exhibiting poor emotional health
A lack of access to amenities affected 31% and poor living conditions affected 18%
The number of ‘risk factors’ given at the point of referral ranged from
2 to 7. The highest proportion (51%) had 3 or 4 risk factors; one-fifth
(21%) had between 5 and 7 showing the level of vulnerability the
young people faced on reception into the programme.
Risk factors on referral
82%
Poor engagement
at school
74%
Aggressive, antisocial or
offending behaviour
www.plusone.uk.com
72%
Conflict in
the family
Responding to Young People’s Needs
Each young person’s ‘Areas of Wider Need’ are scored in terms of level of need and the risk of referral behaviour
continuing i.e. 1=low and 4=high. Scores are assigned by Programme Managers at 8 weeks, 26 weeks and 52
weeks drawing on evidence from several sources i.e. referrer, young person, parent/carer and mentor. The range
could be from 0 to 32.
Beyond the pilots, the evaluation of the new Plusone programmes indicate that franchisees are replicating the highly
successful results of the pilot areas after six months:
• At the point of ‘match’ with the mentor the average score was 19.9, indicating a ‘moderate to high’ level of need
Young people referred onto the programme showed significant vulnerability; this was found to be the
case across all the programmes.
• By six months the average score was 12.9; which lowers the level of need to ‘low/moderate’
The decrease in level of need is evident across several dimensions of the young people’s lives i.e.
behaviour, family and personal relationships, lifestyle, emotional, mental and physical health and
education indicating that Plusone mentoring can have a significant impact on young people’s
behaviour in different contexts and settings.
• By the exit review the average score was 10.4 reducing the level of need to ‘low’.*
The evaluation of Plusone’s replication in several new areas across Scotland shows that franchisees
are replicating the outstanding results of the pilot areas, at six months.
When young people were asked to rate their satisfaction with Plusone on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is “highly
satisfied”, young people gave an average score of 4.6.
* this latter score should be interpreted with caution due to low numbers.
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www.plusone.uk.com
Fife
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• The success of the pilot programme established in 2008
led to a further programme covering Fife in 2012
• 35 matches were achieved
• Mentors undertook 1,370 volunteering hours
• Referral routes: Education, Social Work, Youth Offender Management Groups
“Michael is happy to chat and show his feelings to me….we talk of love
and hugs which I am very happy with”
Parent of a mentee
“We get on so much better and he talks to me more. We understand each
other better now”
Parent of a mentee
“Plusone is good because it lets me try new things, keeps me out of
trouble and gives me someone to talk to”
Mentee
John’s Story
John was referred to Plusone for poor behaviour at
school, exclusions and difficult relationships at home.
He set a number of goals relating to his school and
home life. John tried to improve his behaviour in class
and make better choices about his peer groups. His
class teachers and his guidance teacher have all
commented on how much John has matured in the
past year and how his confidence and self-esteem
increased. They reported that he is much more mature
and appears “a lot more comfortable in his own skin”.
Activities carried out between the mentor and John
were varied and included cooking and baking, café
for chats, McDonald’s, Glenrothes YMCA, oudoor
& indoor Gym’s, leisure centre, swimming, bowling,
walks in town park, karting, Edinburgh Festival, team
building day at ‘Xscape’. John actively suggested
ideas and helped plan all the activities with his
mentor. John set goals for himself at home to improve
his relationships with his younger brother and his
dad.
Both John and his dad have said there
has been a marked improvement and that
they are getting along much better and
understand each other a lot more.
John has a part-time job at a local café now and is
enjoying the responsibility.
www.plusone.uk.com
Dundee
• The Plusone programme launched in April 2013
• 20 matches were achieved
• Mentors undertook 722 mentoring hours and 220 training hours
• Referral routes: Social Work, Schools, Police Scotland, Child & Adolescent
Mental Health Services
“I’ve really enjoyed being a mentor. I was quite nervous in the beginning,
not knowing what to expect. But we hit it off straight away and have had
a lot of fun. The young person really opened up to me and it was good
to be able to offer a listening ear and advice. Overall it’s been a great
experience.”
Mentor
“I have changed my friends. I have stopped smoking and drinking. I am
going
to school more. A very great experience, this has helped me a lot.”
Mentee
Nathan’s Story
Nathan was aged 11 years when he was referred
to Plusone; he was getting sent out of class for his
challenging behaviour and was not involved in many
activities. The mentor encouraged Nathan to explore
his behaviour and supported him to get involved in
more activities that he really enjoyed like the parkour
class at the local community centre and the Factory
Skate Park. The mentor reported that they had a
great experience; as a mentor “it feels like I
am making a difference to Nathan’s life
through meeting each week and doing
various activities.” Nathan said at his exit review
“I hope that you are the lucky one for the programme.
My best meeting was going to the cinema to see
‘cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2, the film was
great and I really enjoyed the hotdog and slush dip.”.
Nathan’s confidence drastically improved over the
course of the mentoring and his challenging behaviour
at school reduced considerably.
East Ayrshire
• The Plusone programme launched in March 2014
• 18 matches were achieved
• Mentors undertook 957 volunteering hours and 230 Plusone training hours
• Referral routes: Social Work, Police Scotland, Schools, Barnardos, Child Mental
Health Services
“Yip World’s ‘Plusone Mentoring’ Service has had a phenomenal impact on the
pupils in our school. It is an invaluable asset to Cumnock and has significantly benefitted
many of the young people in our care. Its success is founded upon the relationships made… Above
all else, the mentors are fully committed in supporting our young people and will go above and
beyond to ensure they become upstanding members of our community.”
Claire Jagodowski, Acting PT Guidance, Cumnock Academy
“The Plusone Mentoring Service has been an invaluable source of support and advice for over
32 of our families who have significant vulnerabilities and has assisted families and children to
achieve good outcomes. I cannot praise the efforts and devotion of the individual mentors and the
service enough. Feedback from families but particularly children who have indicated significant
personal progress in line with the SHANARRI and GIRFEC wellbeing indicators clearly shows this
service should continue as it is child/family led and is outcome focused in its work. My view is
that this service is invaluable to our most vulnerable families…I cannot thank the
individuals and team enough for what they have offered to our families.”
Alan Paterson, Children’s Manager, Children’s Services, East Ayrshire Council
Joel’s Story
Joel (12) was referred to Plusone by the Children,
Families and Criminal Justice Practitioners Group.
He was recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. Joel started missing school due
to being fearful that his mother would come under
attack by his father; he also slept beside her believing
he was protecting her. Joel’s father left through
compulsion.
During this time, Joel experienced periods of great
excitability, anger and frustration and also periods
of deep depression. He described being bullied at
primary school and moved to a new school. Joel was
matched with a male mentor who built trust with Joel
and his family throughout this transition.
The ‘My World Triangle’ was used to highlight
and identify the support necessary and to measure
progress. Joel was helped to manage problems at
school; to attend outdoor activities weekly; to engage
in the Yipworld senior ‘drop in’ and plans to move
back to his own room.
Joel is now back in school on a full time timetable.
Joel received 31 mentoring sessions.
Perth and Kinross
• This pilot area programme commenced in 2009
• Referral routes: Schools and Social Work
• This Plusone programme has been providing early intervention for last 5 years
“I just feel safe when I’m with my mentor” Mentee
“It’s really fun! I love going to the football with Dan” Mentee
Clark and Kyle’s Story
Clark had recently begun training as a youth worker and he
wanted to gain as much experience as possible during this
time; he decided to become a Plusone mentor. Clark was
matched with Kyle because Clark had the ability to strike
up a conversation with anyone, particularly young people.
It was felt that this energy would encourage Kyle to practice
appropriate social skills. Clark initially found it difficult at
the matching meeting, as the two were different characters,
however they found that they had some shared interests and
so both decided to continue meeting each other. As time went
on, the two got to know each other better and better. They
went cycling, went to the cinema, had coffee, and various
other activities, all aimed at Clark giving Kyle opportunities
to practice his communication and social skills with an
adult. Once the relationship was established, Clark started
introducing Kyle to some community clubs and public events in
order to further this.
It’s a slow process, but gradually Clark is seeing
Kyle’s social skills improve, and this is now a
goal in his action plan.
They have only been seeing each other for almost five months,
but already there has been an impact made by the provision
of a Plusone mentor.
Edinburgh
• The Plusone programme launched April 2013
• 55 referrals were received
• 22 matches were achieved
• A second programme commenced August 2013 and achieved 21 matches
• Mentors undertook 520 volunteering hours
• Referral routes: Social work, Education, Police Scotland, Community Safety, Youth
Service
‘It’s the length of time, consistency and commitment that has made a
difference. He knows I want to be there every week and I have seen
the growth in confidence and self-esteem this gives. Since beginning the
mentoring he has not been excluded from school or been in any fights,
this
is a huge change to how things were before’.
Mentor
Colin’s Story
Colin was referred by his Social Worker following
concerns around his behaviour in school and
community, in particular fighting with peers and taking
part in risk taking behaviours. Once a level of trust
and rapport was established, Colin and Tim (mentor)
set goals to work towards in their mentoring sessions.
These included avoiding getting into fights, engaging
better at school, building confidence amongst peers
and furthering Colin’s interest in science. School, Social
Work and Colin’s foster parent have all identified a
drastic reduction in reports of Colin getting into fights
since engaging with his mentor. With Colin also
acknowledging how having someone to talk through
frustrations and potential situations he faces has helped
him make different choices such as walking away from
or avoiding confrontation. Focusing on science and a
potential career in this field has helped Colin remain
focused at school and reduce behavioural issues in
class.
Colin has had no further school exclusions
since engaging with the Plusone Programme.
www.plusone.uk.com
South Lanarkshire
• The Plusone Programme launched June 2013
• The programme is available in both North and South
Lanarkshire through a partnership approach with Bellshill & Mossend YMCA
• Mentors undertook 315 volunteering hours
• Referral routes: Education, Children & Families, Youth Agencies, Community
Safety, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services and Police Scotland
“I’ve grown up a lot more, being part of Plusone”
Mentee
“Sean has made better peer choices since being on Plusone and has
gradually distanced himself from people who have a negative impact on
his behaviour. There has been a significant improvement in his behaviour
and he has matured a lot in the last year.”
Guidance Teacher of Mentee
James’ Story
James was referred by social work following concerns
around his association with older peers and misuse of
cannabis, being known to the police for two offences,
frequently truanting from school and struggling with
family relationships. Working with his mentor James
spent time enjoying activities and they built up a good
relationship. Through non-judgmental, but focused
conversation James was helped to recognise that
his offending behaviour is wrong and has had no
further reports made against him by the
police while matched with his mentor.
His attendance at school has greatly improved
and he hopes to attend college when he leaves
school. James still struggles to speak about his use
of cannabis, but is now able to understand adult
concerns. Supported by his mentor and the Plusone
programme co-ordinator, James has taken on the
lead in planning his transition and final celebration to
move on from Plusone.
North Lanarkshire
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• This pilot area programme commenced 2007
• 16 matches were achieved
• Mentors undertook 650 volunteering hours
• Referral routes: Social Work , Police and Education
“I feel I can tell my mentor anything”
Mentee
“Thank you for giving him the support that he needed and at the right time”
Mother of mentee
“A much needed service for young people”
Support worker of mentee
“My boy has done very well on the programme, we are proud of him, Thank you”
Father of mentee
Sarah’s Story
Sarah was referred by school. She bonded with
her mentor Alice quickly; they had a lot in common
and were comfortable in one another’s company.
They both attended a 12 week evening course at
Motherwell College studying hair and beauty. This
was very successful and encouraged Sarah to think
about what she would like to do once she left school.
Alice encouraged Sarah to go back to school and
was successful to a point; however Sarah stated that
she was being bullied and felt that the school was not
doing anything to prevent it from happening. As a
result Sarah became a school ‘refuser’. This resulted
in the programme manager facilitating a meeting at
the YMCA with school, social work, Sarah and her
family to discuss the young person’s next steps. The
programme manager read out a letter which the young
person had written (supported by Alice, but all in her
own words) explaining why she no longer wanted to
attend school but emphasising that she still wanted to
carry on with her education.
After dating a boy 2 years older Sarah became
pregnant. Alice continued to support Sarah
throughout her pregnancy and provided practical
advice in partnership with the programme manager
and social work. After the baby was born Sarah
attended One Parent Family Scotland classes and
started attending flexible learning, which she excelled
at. She also participated in a beauty course every
Wednesday afternoon which led to a college course
in beauty therapy.
Plusone’s Replication
The programme continues to grow in to new areas to serve new communities; both rural and urban, with innovative
partnerships e.g. at points of transition for young people. We welcome these in 6 additional areas in 2014.
West Lothian – Covey Befriending
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The Plusone programme has been delivered in West Lothian since May 2014
Referrals are received from the Effective and Early Intervention meetings alongside Police Scotland, Social Work, Education and
a wide range services
The Programme Manager has established good links with West Lothian Drug and Alcohol services, West Lothian College,
Youth Action Project and Broxburn Academy
Midlothian – Penicuik YMCA - YMCA
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The Plusone programme was launched in Midlothian in May 2014.
Eight volunteers were recruited over the summer and are now matched up with young people; with a further 6 volunteers
matches pending
Great partnerships have been developed with Y2K youth club and Mayfield Leisure Centre
Mentors are now welcomed to bring their mentees along to these venues for activities
Referrals have been received from Education, Social Work and Police Scotland and the Programme is already nearly at full
capacity
Glasgow - Community Central Halls
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The Plusone programme was launched in Community Central Halls in Glasgow in February 2014.
It has proven to be successful in developing strong links with key partners, such as NHS health improvements, schools, Social
Work, Police Scotland and Psychological Services
The programme has engaged young people who were reluctant to take part initially
The programme has successfully recruited 20 volunteers and received 12 referrals
Angus – Tayside Council on Alcohol ‘Connect’ Service
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The Plusone programme launched in October 2014
The Programme Manager is targeting recruitment of male mentors to meet need in this area
Group work is also planned to support entry and exit of the programme
Key partners include Social Work, Police Scotland, Health and Schools
Aberdeen – Aberdeen YMCA
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The Plusone programme was launched in March 2014
The Plusone Programme Manager has built close relationships with schools in Northfield, one of Aberdeen’s most under-resourced
areas, seeking to support local families and young people in a way that integrates holistically with the existing local services
Developing a partnership approach with the guidance department of Northfield Academy has been particularly fruitful, sharing
the common goal of seeing Northfield’s young people flourish at school, at home and in the community.
www.plusone.uk.com
Resources
YMCA Scotland and partners attribute success to the goodwill,
commitment and time of the volunteers in local communities who make
the programme what it is, as well as the young people who have been
able to make significant changes in their lives. Each programme is led
by a full time programme manager and the programme is built around a
model of £40k per programme, plus activity and some travel costs.
The average unit cost per mentor/mentee as a
consequence of the incredible investment of time and
capacity from the mentors is very low at an average
of £2k per year. This is substantially less than statutory
intervention should the young person have continued
to offend or to disengage with school, notwithstanding
the loss of human potential.
In the pilot “Plusone was found to have generated over
£1.05million for an investment of just under £108,000.”
“The social return from Plusone’s activities for each £1
of investment ranges between £6 and £13, with the
most likely return being just under £10.”
Haldanes Associates
Plusone programme operates on a social franchise
basis to support the future sustainability of the
programme. YMCA Scotland and partners thank
our funders and supporters for their investment and
continued commitment to the programme; including
partners in the consortium as part of Realising Ambition.
5000 mentoring hours
volunteers.
www.plusone.uk.com
£6
£13
The Future
After a busy first year of replicating the programme, Plusone continues to grow and reach
new young people. In particular YMCA Scotland and partners aim to:
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Turn over 500 more young people away from the criminal justice system in the next two years
Mentors on average will give 23,400 volunteering hours to the programme
Replicate the programme in both England and Ireland
Pursue a Randomised Controlled Trial partnering with the Social Research Unit
In 2015 we will launch Plusone in 4 provinces in Canada with an evaluation funded by
the Canadian Government
Plusone Programmes
National Programme Manager
Angela Gentile
National Programme Manager
YMCA Scotland
James Love House
11 Rutland Street
Edinburgh EH1 2DQ
0131 228 1464
[email protected]
www.plusone.uk.com
Aberdeen YMCA
Claire Hargaden
52 Skene Terrace
Aberdeen AB10 1RP
01224 643291
[email protected]
Bellshill & Mossend YMCA
Laura Campbell
294 Main Street
Bellshill ML4 1AB
01698 747483
[email protected]
Community Central Halls
Kelly Ralton
292-316 Maryhill Road
Glasgow G20 7YE
0141 331 7693
[email protected]
Covey Befriending-South Lanarkshire
Lesley Miller
Regent House
9 High Patrick Street
Hamilton ML3 7JA
01698 894013
[email protected]
Covey Befriending-West Lothian
Elisa McLean
Social Policy, Civic Centre
Howden South Road
Livingston EH54 6FF
01506 669208
[email protected]
Kirkcaldy YMCA
Linda Pearse/Marc Forrester
Hendry Crescent, Valley Gardens
Kirkcaldy KY2 5UA
01592 645530
[email protected]
[email protected]
Penicuik YMCA-YWCA
Natasha McInninie
58 Kingsway
Penicuik EH26 0JJ
01968 674851
[email protected]
Perth & District YMCA
Russ Wood
5 Charlotte Street
Perth PH1 5LW
01738 630121
[email protected]
Tayside Council on Alcohol (Dundee)
Angie Farrell
The Wishart, 50 Constable Street
Dundee DD4 6AD
01382 456012
[email protected]
Tayside Council on Alcohol (Angus)
Kate Wood
TCA Angus Connect, 22-24 Catherine Street
Arbroath DD11 1RL
01241 872989
[email protected]
YipWorld
Deborah McDonald
19 Barrhill Road
Cumnock KA18 1PG
01290 422364
[email protected]
YMCA Edinburgh
Mike Kerracher/Alana Taylor-Pae
1 Junction Place
Edinburgh EH6 5JA
0131 553 7877
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.plusone.uk.com
www.ymcascotland.org
Scottish National Council of YMCAs
Charity Registration Number SC013792