Hospitals support young knife attack victims

Navigators Shona Nicholson (left) and Helen Longstaff will offer help to victims when they leave hospital

Young people admitted to hospital with injuries linked to violence, including knife crime, are to be offered help to improve their lives after they have been treated.

Hospitals in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe have introduced "navigators" to support people who have been injured or traumatised by violence.

They will aim to build relationships with young people, directing them to community services and supporting them once they leave hospital, helping them to make positive changes to their lifestyles.

Vicky Thersby, group head of safeguarding at NHS Humber Health Partnership, said: "Our aim is to help the young person take the next steps to create a brighter future for themselves."

Hospital admissions for assault with a sharp object, including knives, have risen by 9% since 2021 across the Humber region, the partnership said.

Between a quarter and a third of those admitted to hospital are under 24.

Confidential service

The service has been introduced at Hull Royal Infirmary, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

Anyone aged 11 to 35 who goes to hospitals' A&E departments following a violent incident or who is admitted to hospital for treatment can be approached directly by the navigators.

They can also be referred to the service by hospital staff or they can request support themselves once they arrive at hospital.

Ms Thersby said: "Our navigators are not there to ask about the incident which has brought a young person to hospital.

"This is a confidential service providing care, guidance, practical advice and support to help young people tackle problems that might be preventing them from living safe and positive lives."

Jonathan Evison, chair of the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, said: "The Navigators programme is part of the wider work we are doing across the Humber, taking a public health approach to preventing and reducing serious violence."

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