We’re excited to announce a new mentoring programme that expands our provision of safe, healthy, happy relationships.

Stepping Up provides a pathway for men aged 18-25 with involvement in the Criminal Justice System to rebuild family relationships that have become strained. It places emphasis on learning and rehabilitation, so young men can understand the impact of their choices on family members.

The programme provides 1-2-1 specialist support and is delivered by relationship experts. Sessions are flexible and tailored to the individual needs of each participant.

“This work is vital in demonstrating that people on probation can still be good role models within their family unit and have strong positive relationships around them,” said TLC Chief Executive Officer Michelle Hill.

“We aim to provide participants with emotional support, advocacy, guidance, and relationship building skills.”

Some of the topics covered in the programme include what it means to be a father/sibling/son, how behaviours impact family members, and what those around them need to live safe, healthy and happy lives. Each participant is supported to take ownership of their family responsibilities and make positive contributions to the care of their children and their wider family.

Stepping Up was developed in response to the acknowledgement that any person in contact with the Criminal Justice System creates a ripple effect on the whole family, and children with a father in prison are more likely to become involved in antisocial behaviour and the Criminal Justice System (Farmer Review, 2017). The programme aims to build capacity, confidence and positive support in the young men referred to the service, enabling them to offer a more positive contribution within their family unit.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire, said: “Providing support for young men on probation is vital in ensuring positive futures for them, their children, and their families. The Stepping Up programme will help young men on probation to play a positive role within their family and build stronger relationships.”

“The success of the programme in Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport will be evaluated to inform a decision on roll out across Greater Manchester.”

Stepping Up has launched as a six-month pilot delivered by TLC and co-commissioned by Greater Manchester Probation and the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit. The success of the programme in Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport will be evaluated to inform a decision on roll out across Greater Manchester.