Release: PCC dedicates more funding for early intervention youth project in hospitals

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged a second year of funding to support vital work to tackle youth violence and vulnerability.

The PCC will help to fund the Emergency Department youth workers initiative with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity at Royal Bournemouth and Poole hospitals as the project moves into its second year.

Launched in 2025, the project supports young people aged between 11 and 25 who come to emergency departments at UHD as a result of violence, exploitation, or other complex social issues.

This project is being run by No Limits, a charity which offers specialised emotional support, crisis intervention and access to ongoing services for young people in need of help.

Since the project began in September 2025, the youth workers have supported 152 young people through more than 480 interactions, addressing a range of needs including mental health concerns, substance misuse, and safeguarding risks.

By delivering expert-led targeted early intervention at critical points of need, the project is helping to prevent harm by intervening in cases where there could be exploitation or criminal involvement, as well as signposting young people towards support for mental health issues and substance misuse and alcohol services.

Feedback from some of the young people helped by the youth workers pays tribute to the service, with one person saying: “They were amazing and have been lifesavers, I probably would have left the hospital if they hadn't have been here, I'm really glad I'm not a year older or I don't know what I'd have done. I'm glad No Limits are in the hospital.”

Another said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time spent helping me in Poole A&E. Without you I would have never managed to stay. Thank you for helping be my voice to the hospital staff.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am proud to help fund this valuable project for another year. Supporting young people at risk of harm is a key commitment in my Police and Crime Plan, and this project goes a long way towards delivering the outcomes we want to see to help keep young people safe.

“We know early intervention works, and this partnership is already proving invaluable in supporting young people in Dorset.”

Debbie Anderson, Charity Director, said: "We are delighted to be able to support this important project. We've already seen the impact these highly skilled youth workers are making in our hospitals, from supporting young people to stay in the ED so they can receive the treatment they need, to providing expert advice and signposting to further support. The service will soon be expanding with the inclusion of a social prescribing worker, which will strengthen the support young people receive in the community too."