News
Welcome addition to Spruce House through Youth Justice Agency (18/09/2008)
The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) recently welcomed a new addition to the beautiful gardens surrounding Spruce House on the Altnagelvin Area Hospital site through a generous donation from the Youth Justice Agency (YJA).Ms Mary-Jo McAllister, Assistant Director, YJA, commented: “The Youth Justice Community Services and Conferencing staff work with a wide range of 10-17 year olds in the Foyle area to reduce offending by children and young people. The agency depends on close working relationships with numerous voluntary, community and statutory agencies such as the Western Trust.”
She continued: “YJA staff work with young people and their families to support them to avoid further offending and to contribute positively to their local community. The Agency also works to include the participation of victims in the Youth Justice process.”
Two young people who have been working through the YJA 's Foyle office have donated beautifully handcrafted garden furniture, a bench and a table.
The garden bench was made by a young male aged 17 from the Waterside area of the city. He completed it as part of his Community Responsibility Order under the supervision of YJA Community Services staff. The Order requires young people to learn about their responsibilities as citizens within the community, to reduce the risks of their re-offending and examine the impact of their actions on their victims. They are encouraged to make up for the harm done to the community by their offending through working with a community organisation or, as in this case, creating something which can be used by members of the wider community and patients of Spruce House.
The matching table was handmade by a young male aged 16 from the City-side area of the city. He completed it as part of his Youth Conference Order. The Youth Conference Order enables the young person to meet the victim of their offence and to be directly confronted with the consequences of their actions. Together with a Youth Conference Coordinator and a PSNI Officer they agree on a work plan which the young person will complete to reduce their chances of re-offending and also make amends or reparation to the victim or the wider community for the harm they caused by the offence.
At the presentation Sr Lesley Kelly, Ward Sister for Spruce House added: “I would like to thank all those involved in the production of those items being donated to Spruce House. We are extremely grateful to receive such gifts and our patients will fully enjoy the benefit of them in our gardens here at Spruce House.”
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