NEST is a two-year pilot programme designed to prevent vulnerable young women aged 14–25 from entering or becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system.
The programme provides each participant with a dedicated Advocate who offers consistent, trusted support for up to two years. Advocates work alongside young women to stabilise their lives, build confidence and access the services they need to move forward.
Support is trauma-informed, gender-specific and community-based, focusing on the underlying drivers of offending rather than responding after problems escalate.[
How it works
Dedicated Advocate
A consistent, trusted one-to-one relationship from age 14 onwards.
Wraparound Support
Coordination across education, housing, health and justice services.
Small Caseloads
Advocates work intensively with a limited number of participants.
Skills and Opportunity
Support into education, training, employment and long-term stability.
Community-Based Delivery
Delivered through trusted local organisations with experience supporting women and girls.
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