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Our mission is to create brighter futures for children and young people. We do this by providing fostering, residential and support services where children and young people can feel safe and cared for. We support them to make positive relationships which give them the confidence to succeed.
CHILDREN’S CHARITY ST CHRISTOPHER’S (ISLE OF MAN) GETS FULL BACKING FOR STREETWISE INITIATIVE TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE THIS TT SEASON
St Christopher’s have run their Streetwise initiative for over 15 years with the aim of keeping the young people in their care safe during the temptations of TT week and to support them in making wiser choices.
This year for the second time, the charity will be supporting the wider community further, having expanded Streetwise in 2024 to make the scheme available to all young people enjoying the event. This continued chapter comes with the full backing of Manx Care, the Isle of Man Constabulary, the Mayor of Douglas and Douglas City Centre Management.
Each year there is a vast increase in visitors, over 40,000, who help to create a tremendous atmosphere for all to enjoy with additional events across the Island. This can add to peer pressure for young people confronting them with risky choices as large crowds of people are enjoying themselves.
St Christopher’s will have a visible base on Douglas promenade in the main hub of the festivities. The area will be a safe space for all young people, where they can have access to fully vetted, trained and experienced staff, who can also liaise with additional agencies to ensure the welfare of those they support. The Streetwise team will be easily identifiable and will be out and about in the prom area and have a presence at Bushy’s as well and will also collaborate with youth workers from the IOM Youth Service. The aim is to build trust and confidence with young people and to provide support, advice and guidance for those who may find themselves in situations where they feel they may need help or support.
Streetwise will operate daily from the 30th May through to June 8th from 6pm until 12am. To contact the team directly if you feel worried or at risk, or if you have reason to believe a young person is in difficulty, text or call 07624 404512.
Steve Taylor, Head of Children’s Residential Services at St Christopher’s says
“We are proud to continue offering our Streetwise initiative to all children on the Island and to serve the local community”
Steven Crellin – Mayor of Douglas highlights that
“Streetwise is a brilliant community initiative that’s there for our young people when they need it most. It’s had a clear and positive impact on children and families across Douglas and it’s great to see so many local organisations working together to make it happen. As Mayor, I’m proud to support this kind of partnership that puts our community first.”
Oliver Cheshire – City Centre Manager Douglas Council states
“St Christopher’s carry out so much important work supporting young people and their families on the Island. Knowing that help is available when needed is incredibly reassuring and we’re excited to collaborate with everyone involved during what promises to be a rewarding and engaging fortnight.”
Julie Gibney – Assistant Director – Children and Families Social Work, Manx Care summarises
“I’m so pleased that we can once again work together to support young people across our community, providing guidance and support where they need it and protecting them during the busy TT period. It’s great to collaborate with a number of agencies to make a difference.”