AN INNOVATIVE partnership programme is aiming to improve the lives of young people in Bradford who have been affected by violence and knife crime.

The A&E Navigator programme, funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), sees dedicated case workers operating within the emergency departments of hospitals.

By building trust, the ‘navigator’ supports those who have suffered injuries as a result of violence by helping them to access appropriate support services.

The Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust was the first to adopt the approach in February last year, and was followed shortly after by Braford Royal Infirmary, which has directly supported more than 100 young people, and had more than a thousand interactions with those in need of help.

From involvement in knife crime, assault with a weapon to drugs, gangs and exploitation, the programme allows professionals to intervene at the earliest opportunity.

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), Chief Superintendent Jackie Marsh said: “We know from the experience in Leeds and Bradford that many of those attending with violence-related injuries often stem from knife crime.

“Our research tells us that a high proportion of these are likely to be males in their late teens, which is a real challenge.

“It is absolutely critical that we continue to intervene at the first chance we get, and remove our young people from the revolving doors, which can lead back to further harm.”

Farah Naz, Senior General Manager for Urgent and Emergency Care at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The reasons behind violence and admission to an emergency department can be complicated, and beyond the surface are not always directly related to a person’s health.

“The youth workers as navigators are there to care, guide and provide practical support in a non-judgemental way to people who may be experiencing trauma and serious adversity, which may be preventing them from living a safe and positive lifestyle.

“There is no pressure for people to engage with navigators, but the service provides a safe environment which allows for open conversation.

“Support can also extend beyond discharge, through referral to services who can continue to help such as The Buddies Service or Breaking the Cycle.

“If people want, the navigators can also work closely with families and loved ones to follow up on care and advice.”