CompletedInterventional

Evaluation of the Reach Programme. A randomised control trial of a mentoring intervention aimed at young people in secondary schools aged 11-16 years

This study is checking how effective a school-based mentoring program, called the Reach Programme, is for young people aged 11-16. These are students who might be at risk of getting suspended from school or involved in anti-social behaviour and crime. The program offers special support and one-to-one mentoring to help them make better choices and feel more confident. Students who fit certain criteria, like being at risk of suspension and having other vulnerabilities, were invited to take part. Some received the Reach Programme, while others continued with their usual school support. Researchers are comparing these groups to see if Reach helps improve behaviour and reduce risks. The study is running in Leicester and Leicestershire, funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, and aims to find out if this kind of help truly benefits young people.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Youth Endowment Fund

Enrolment target

600

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2025

Young people at risk of suspension or who are persistently absent from school, and where there are concerns about future involvement in anti-social behaviour and crime as both a victim or perpetrator.

What is this study about?

This research project is looking at a special program called 'Reach,' which is designed to help young people between 11 and 16 years old in secondary schools. The main idea behind Reach is to prevent these young people from getting into trouble, like being suspended from school or becoming involved in crime, either as a victim or someone causing problems.

The study wants to understand if having a mentor – an adult who provides guidance and support – can make a real difference in these young people's lives. The program works by matching a young person with a youth worker who helps them set goals, improve their social skills, and provides someone to talk to. Researchers are carefully studying the results to see if early support like this can help young people stay on a positive path.

This study is important because it could show us a good way to help vulnerable young people in schools across the UK. If the Reach Programme is successful, it could be used in more places to keep young people safe and help them do well in school and in life. It's funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, an organisation that supports projects aimed at protecting children and teenagers.

Key takeaways

Focuses on young people aged 11-16 in secondary schools.
Aims to prevent school suspensions and involvement in crime.
Involves one-to-one mentoring from a youth worker.
Compares program participants with those receiving usual school support.
Funded to find effective ways to help vulnerable youth.
Participation is voluntary, and support is available.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people who are currently in secondary school, specifically between year 7 and year 11 (which usually means they are 11 to 16 years old).

To be considered, they must be at risk of being suspended from school. This means they have shown behaviour that would typically lead to a suspension. On top of that, they need to have at least three other signs that they might be struggling or are in a vulnerable situation. Examples of these signs could include being in foster care, living in a home where there's domestic violence, or where someone misuses drugs or alcohol.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 11 and 16 years old?
Are you in secondary school (Year 7 to Year 11)?
Have you shown behaviour that could lead to a school suspension?
Are there at least three other concerns about your situation (e.g., family difficulties, safeguarding concerns)?
Do you want to explore ways to get support and stay out of trouble?
Are you willing to meet regularly with a youth worker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If a young person was chosen for the study, they were either selected to receive the Reach Programme or to continue with the regular support already offered by their school. Those in the Reach Programme were matched with a youth worker. They met regularly, either at school, at home, or somewhere else in the community. These meetings involved one-to-one mentoring, fun activities, and support to help with social skills and behaviour.

Throughout the study, both the young people and their teachers were asked to fill out questionnaires to share their experiences and observations. The researchers also looked at school records to see if there were any changes over time, for example, in attendance or behaviour.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in the Reach Programme could be very beneficial, as it offers personalised support to help young people stay out of trouble and build their confidence. For the youth workers and school staff involved, it also provides a chance to reflect on their work and receive further training. There might have been some disappointment for those who didn't receive the program, but schools were kept fully informed. All participants were told that they could choose not to take part, skip any questions they didn't want to answer, and leave the study at any time. If anyone had a negative experience, support was available from the researchers.

Locations (2)

Leicestershire County Council
City only
Leicester, United Kingdom
Leicester City Council
Approximate
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of the Reach Programme?

Its main goal is to help young people aged 11-16 avoid getting into trouble, like school suspensions or crime, by giving them one-to-one mentoring and support.

Who is funding this study?

The study is funded by the Youth Endowment Fund, a UK organisation that supports projects to keep children and teenagers safe.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is happening in secondary schools across Leicester and Leicestershire in the UK.

What happens if a young person doesn't want to continue in the study?

All young people were told they could choose to stop taking part at any time, skip questions they didn't like, and could get extra support if they had a negative experience.

How long will this study run for?

The study is expected to run from October 2023 to September 2025.

How to find out more

Charlotte Coleman

c.coleman@shu.ac.uk +44 114 2256060 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.