The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonah's Project CIC and BVSC are working together to support Birmingham's young people in the criminal justice system through community engagement.

Peer Hearings offer an innovative route away from criminal justice system for young people aged 11 -25 in some of Birmingham's most disadvantaged communities who have been arrested for a summary offence with 'no further action' taken.

Young people voluntarily engaged in the Peer Hearing intervention pathway will be connected to a wide range of local Voluntary and Community activities (e.g. sport, arts, faith, volunteering) and provided with support to tackle the root causes of their behaviour through self-reflection, mentorship and, if needed, therapy.

The aim is not only to divert them from further offending, but also to enable them to engage with, feel connected, and contribute to their local communities.

Peer reviewers on the Peer Hearing panels are volunteers of similar age to the young people, who will receive continuous training and support, including from Peer Hearing staff. Through the process, they also have the opportunity to build skills and contribute to their community.

Local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector organisations as well as partners from the public and private sectors will also be involved in providing support to all the young people involved.

For More Information:

• Find out more about Peer Hearings: Visit Jonah’s Project CIC website Email [email protected] or call on 07384409747
• Get Involved as a Funder: The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner have already agreed to provide funding from the Commissioning Budget towards Peer Hearings. However, further funding support is needed for the project to be delivered. If you are a funder, please take a look at the recording and documents from the event for funders held on 11 May 2022 (see below) and email [email protected]  
• Get Involved as a Partner: If you are a Voluntary, Community, Faith or Social Enterprise sector organisation or another partner interested in joining the Peer Hearing as an intervention pathway, please visit Jonah’s Project CIC website: https://www.jonahsproject.co.uk/peerhearing; email [email protected] or call on 07384409747
• Find out more about Jonah’s Project: https://www.jonahsproject.co.uk/
• Find out more about West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner: https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/
• Further Questions/ Information: Email [email protected] or contact Elizabeth Goodchild, Strategic Partnership Manager, BVSC at [email protected]

 

Past meetings

11 May 2022 - Peer Hearings: Event for Funders

View the Recording

Download the presentation

Minutes of Meeting

Download the Business Plan