Reach Central

Funded by Merseyside Police and local partners.

We’re proud to be launching Reach Central in October 2025, a new detached youth work project designed to respond directly to the challenges and opportunities facing young people in St Helens town centre.

This project will see our trained youth workers delivering regular street-based sessions across key central locations, combining trusted relationships with practical support, guidance, and activities shaped by young people themselves.

By being visible, approachable, and consistent, Reach Central aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, build trust between young people and local services, and ensure that young people feel heard, supported, and included.

About the Project

Reach Central is a core strand of our work at Reach Rainhill C.I.C.

It will:

• Deliver regular detached youth work sessions in St Helens town centre.

• Focus on areas identified as hotspots for youth congregation and concern, including transport hubs, retail spaces, and leisure sites.

• Provide early intervention and informal education on issues such as wellbeing, safety, and substance use.

• Act as a bridge between young people and local services, making sure they know where to go for help, advice, and positive opportunities.

Our Enhanced Detached Approach

We call it clinically informed, informally delivered youth work. Every Reach Central session will:

• Take place in the public spaces where young people already gather; shopping areas, fast food outlets, and central streets.

• Focus on building trusted relationships through consistent, approachable youth workers.

• Use a mental health–aware approach to support wellbeing and resilience.

• Provide low-barrier access to advice, support, and signposting.

• Work alongside partners including Merseyside Police, schools, and community groups to respond to emerging needs.

This means investment into Reach Central is not only tackling immediate challenges in St Helens town centre, it’s also investing in young people’s long-term confidence, safety, and community belonging.

Our Commitment

Over the initial six months we will:

• Deliver weekly detached youth work sessions in central St Helens.

• Ensure young people’s voices shape the focus of our engagement.

• Provide real-time feedback on local trends to partners and decision-makers.

• Strengthen partnerships across health, education, and policing to ensure joined-up support.

• Create safe, positive opportunities for young people to feel connected in their town centre.

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Acknowledgment

This project is funded by Merseyside Police and supported by our local partners.

Together, we’re working to make St Helens town centre a safer, more inclusive place for young people and the wider community.

📞 0151 272 1376 📧 admin@reachrainhill.co.uk