UTurn is a registered charity that is dedicated to educating, supporting, and advising young people (10-18 years) in the community that are at risk of being affected by crime and violence. The charity provides confidential information, support and practical help to young people experiencing personal and socially challenging life situations. The organisation seeks to positively develop the lives of young individuals by increasing their awareness, skills, and resilience, so to improve their wellbeing and future outcomes.
Tania Swanson, UTurn Director, said, “Despite the challenges that our young people face and with the right provision of support, we have many that display exceptional resilience and a notable determination to change their behaviours, develop and grow. Examples of this is evident in the case of a 16-year-old young lady that formed part of our Impact X, 20/21 cohort and Archie Lingen, a student that joined us from an extended learning provision at Clacton Coastal Academy.
“From a background perspective, the young lady in question was from a stable family unit with no prior individual or familial involvement with the Police/Judicial or Social Services. However, she had a history mental health issues relating to anxiety and low self-esteem and has undergone various therapeutic treatments for these conditions. In addition, she had trouble forming meaningful relationships with her peers which had a further detriment to her confidence and resilience. Due to these vulnerabilities, she developed attachments with an older group of individuals which were all entrenched in county lines and gang-related activities. This culminated in her becoming a victim of child sexual exploitation, and subsequently being referred into our services. But since joining the organisation’s mentoring and support project, she has shown a considerable increase in confidence and motivation. She is enthusiastic to take part in therapeutic activities and shows a keen interest in becoming a peer mentor.”
In addition to the success of The Impact X project, UTurn – in partnership with Essex Police, NHS, schools in Tendring and other support organisations, delivers the UTurn Hub, which is a youth project aimed at reducing violence, victimisation and offending in young people aged 12-16 years. The Hub provides informal support sessions to improve and build young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, and improve future outcomes through drop-in and remote sessions, creative and sports-based activities.
Shani Jackson, UTurn Director, said, “Each year, the High Sheriff gives financial support and recognition to voluntary organisations for initiatives that are helping communities thrive in their local area. The pilot for the UTurn Hub was additionally supported by the Essex Community Foundation and the charity was selected and subsequently was awarded The High Sheriff of Essex fund for a second year. This award was presented to us in recognition and appreciation of the residents and people of Essex for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community, and we are extremely grateful for the support and our achievements this year.”
In addition to UTurn’s award, a special certificate of achievement was awarded to a CCA student – Archie Lingen – in recognition of outstanding learning and behaviour, and this week we were privileged with a special visit from The High Sheriff of Essex to present Archie with his award.
Simon Brice, High Sheriff of Essex, said, “Thank you to Tania and Shani UTurn4Support for inviting me to visit and present an Award to Archie. Good to see how well you are supporting young people in Tendring area.”
