It was launched in areas with high antisocial behaviour, theft, arson, criminal damage as well as high levels of underage drinking.
They operate in communities and in schools, working with families and individuals, endeavouring to reduce the risk factors associated with youth offending by working directly with those young people at greatest risk

The scheme offers a wide range of activities including rock climbing, football, bicycle workshops, swimming, golf and DJ workshops. Drop-in facilities are considered to play an important role in the prevention of offending as does the individual and small group activities that creatively address the consequences of crime and or antisocial behaviour. Once engaged, children regard the staff as approachable and use them as mentors for advice, guidance or occupations.

Many referrals come from schools. Over half of referred young people have a risk factor of non-attendance, exclusion and likely exclusion.
Does it work?

It is estimated that approximately 60% of young people with these risk factors have been helped back into school by the strategies implemented by the scheme

90% of the group first identified as 'at risk' have engaged with the project. A third of this group have not been in trouble again and have not needed to be referred again.

They have worked with more than 600 children.

Jamal was a non-attender at primary school during year 6, this trend continuing upon entry to a new school in September 2004. He exhibited a history of abuse towards school staff, and refusal to engage in the scheme's opportunities. Through perseverance, the scheme's worker managed to involve the boy in a music project, the purpose of which was to address school transition issues. In addition, they managed to build relationships with parents that were impossible to achieve by the statutory sector. This effort resulted in the boy being walked to school once per week. He is now attending school 5 mornings per week, 4 of these without support. The walking to school on one morning per week is soon to be phased out. His school is impressed.