Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service (CYJS) partnership with The Chuckery
Summary:
A local community farm in Lancashire is improving opportunities for young people to steer them away from the youth justice system, as part of a partnership with Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service (CYJS).
The Chuckery is a non-profit organisation in Altham, that offers a range of opportunities for children who are at risk of offending behaviour, subject to the most intensive court orders or recently released from custody. Opportunities at the farm are tailored to suit each child’s interests and development. Some prefer the animal management side of the project where others show more interest in construction or mechanics. All profits generated go to the account at the local pet shop and used for the pet food bank. You can find out more about The Chuckery Project in this presentation.
There is no cost to the partnership, however, Lancashire CYJS does purchase resources such as materials and tools to be used by children at The Chuckery.
Read this case study of a child’s journey at The Chuckery.
Description:
Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Service and The Chuckery Project was nominated at the 2023 John Hawkins Awards. It is an example of partnership working offering tangible benefits for all concerned. CYJS offers time, people and resources in return for sate, meaningful and effective opportunities for children.
The Chuckery is a bird and poultry rescue facility, offering boarding for injured birds and even fighting cockerels that have been removed from people’s possession by the police and the RSPCA.
Extensive work has been carried out by CYJS and the young people have contributed to projects such as building sheds, laying concrete bases for chicken coops, and manufacturing gates that are placed in several locations around The Chuckery.
As part of the pet food bank, CYJS have created many projects such as bird houses and table, these are sold to the public in exchange for pet food. This is done by working in partnership with a local pet shop that allows credit to be placed onto the account.
The relaxed and welcoming environment at The Chuckery allows children to develop better relationships and gives them a safe space to express their thoughts/feelings. This helps to develop a pro-social identity and supports them to feel more included within their community.
The project has gone from strength to strength and its popularity has spread across the East Lancashire area. This has led to forging links with Lancashire’s Deputy Policy and Crime Commissioner, and additional funding is now being secured, allowing more children to access and benefit from the project.
Contact:
| Name: | Mica Aspinwall |
| Email: | mica.aspinwall@lancashire.gov.uk |