An A&E Navigator programme has been launched to identify people coming into emergency health settings following a violent incident.
Navigators work directly in Middlesbrough’s A&E departments and will approach children and young people they believe may be involved in violent crime – whether as a victim or perpetrator.
They will make an offer of support to help stabilise the individual’s life, with issues such as substance misuse, housing, education or employment.
After assessing the immediate risk to the injured young person, navigators offer support and design a package tailored to the victim – and their family’s – needs.
This can include help to access a range of services such as counselling, family support, mentoring, or with conflict resolution, employment, or substance misuse. If needed, support will continue after the patient is discharged from hospital.
A total of £150,000 has been awarded to the Alcohol Care Team (ACT) within South Tees Hospital Trust over two years to deliver the A&E navigator programme from March 2024.
The scheme is based on the knowledge that being a victim of violence is strongly associated with being involved in violence in the future.
Admission to hospital is recognised by CURV as being one of the “reachable, teachable moments” and a critical point of contact with vulnerable, young people.
There have been two studies measuring the impact of A&E Navigator interventions on preventing further violence.
Information from these studies suggests that these interventions could have a high impact.
The introduction of A&E navigators follows the successful introduction of custody navigators in Middlesbrough Police station in July 2023.