Almost 500 children and young adults identified as being affected by violence received support through Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Navigator and Tailored Support Service between March 2025 and April 2026.

Funded by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA), the Catch22 Service works to identify and support children and young adults who are involved in, at risk of being involved in, or affected by violence and its associated harms.

Evidence suggests that following a violent or traumatic incident, during presentation at hospital or custody, can be a period when people may be open to receiving support. Once identified, the Catch22 Navigator works with them to build trust and signpost them to appropriate services or provide direct support through the Tailored Support Service.

Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, who is chair of the VRA said:

“If we don’t help children and young adults at what might possibly be the lowest point in their life, there is the chance it will not get better for them.

“There are many reasons why children and young adults may be at risk of or involved in violence, including mental health concerns, substance misuse, neglect and trauma or exploitation.

“Arresting children and young adults, without follow-up support isn’t going to reduce violence figures, but by giving them the opportunity to accept support to address their vulnerability factors can.”

From March 2025 – April 2026, the Navigator and Tailored Support service:

• Received 851 navigator referrals from healthcare and custody settings in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
• Supported 493 children and young adults and 131 parents and families
• Supported 381 professionals to upskill their knowledge and ability to better support individuals
• Completed 78 safeguarding referrals and 131 referrals to other agencies to ensure individuals received the most appropriate support

Benjamin is a 16-year-old male from Staffordshire; his name has been changed to protect his identity. Benjamin was referred to the Navigator and Tailored Support Service by Staffordshire Police following his arrest for possession of a weapon.

A Catch22 Navigator engaged with Benjamin while he was in custody. As the Navigator built trust with Benjamin, he began to share information highlighting potential risks to himself and others

Following the intervention, the Catch22 Navigator liaised with Police on site to ensure all safeguarding concerns were addressed. Referrals were submitted to partners to ensure appropriate support was in place and a child exploitation report was shared outlining the vulnerability directly associated with Benjamin.

Senior Service Manager for Redthread Services / Catch-22, Sam Sweeney said:

“We’re working with children and young people at some of the most challenging points in their lives, often when the impacts of violence are presenting in hospital A&E departments or custody settings.

“We believe in the effectiveness of reaching young people at these critical, teachable moments, when they may be more open to support and change. By building trusted relationships and intervening early, we can address the risks associated with violence and get young people to the right support.

“Our work in the Stoke and Staffordshire Navigator service is only possible through strong partnerships with colleagues in the NHS and the police, whose collaboration is integral to the success of the Navigator service. Together, we are giving young people a genuine opportunity to move forward safely.”

Head of Criminal Justice at Staffordshire Police, Superintendent Karen Green said:

“This work is vital in helping us intervene at the earliest opportunity, providing targeted support to young people at risk of harm.

“By working closely with partners, we can better understand vulnerability, reduce the likelihood of further violence and ensure that those most in need are supported to make safer choices.”

For more information on the Navigator and Tailored Support Service, visit: Navigator and Tailored Support Service – Violence Reduction Alliance