Good News Stories

DIVERT Are Coaching Change at QPR

When Jason Thomas, a DIVERT Custody Intervention Coach, first met the 19-year-old in a police cell, the young man’s future felt uncertain. With limited work experience, low confidence, and no clear pathway ahead, his life was at a crossroads. But thanks to the DIVERT programme—and its strong partnership with QPR in the Community Trust—that moment became the start of a powerful journey of change.

DIVERT works with young adults aged 18–25 who come into police custody, aiming to divert them away from the criminal justice system and into positive futures through education, training, and employment. Jason, who is independent of the police investigation, focuses on building trust and identifying meaningful opportunities.

“From the first conversation, it was clear he needed structure, support, and belief,” says Jason. “He had an interest in sport but needed a boost in confidence. That’s where we started.”

A New Environment, A Fresh Start

Jason remained attuned to his client’s needs—thinking several steps ahead about how DIVERT and QPR could help create an experience that would ignite self-belief and open up possibilities.

Soon after their initial meeting, Jason arranged for the young man to visit QPR Stadium—not as a fan, but to experience a professional, welcoming environment. He arrived early, introduced himself to staff, and observed matchday preparations up close.

From the ground staff to the media team, he saw how teamwork and mutual respect created a safe and inclusive atmosphere. One of the most symbolic moments? Sitting in the Director’s Box—showing that positive choices can take you further than you might imagine.

Match Day Involvement and Building Skills

Through a carefully risk-assessed and supervised process, the young man began supporting QPR matchdays: testing equipment, assisting with mascot duties, and helping in the fan zone. He quickly became a trusted member of the wider stadium operations team.

This matchday itinerary became a valuable structure:

• Arrive: 9:50am at QPR Reception
• Briefing: 10am
• Fan zone set-up: 10:30am–11am
• Fan zone running time: 12:30pm–2:30pm
• Pack down: 2:30pm–2:45pm
• Kick-off: 3pm

His responsibilities included transporting equipment, engaging fans, manning activity stations, and providing feedback where needed—all while integrating into QPR’s team ethos and gaining real-world insight into professional sport operations.

Through this process, he built key skills in:

• Communication and teamwork
• Timekeeping and responsibility
• Confidence and self-worth

“It wasn’t just about shadowing,” Jason says. “He was brought in as a team member – and he showed up every time.”

Changing Lives Through Trusted Support

The young man has also been actively involved in QPR Kicks in Hounslow, staying connected to sport and his community. Regular check-ins with Jason continue to support his growth and long-term goals.

What really brings the story full circle is the young man’s own words, shared in a statement to the QPR Volunteer Scheme:

“I see volunteering with QPR Community Trust as an opportunity to give back to my local community, develop my skills as a mentor and coach, and learn from a team that is committed to making a tangible difference.”

He expressed strong interest in supporting youth mentoring, helping at soccer schools, and contributing to QPR’s Health & Wellbeing programmes, including those for local refugees and individuals with disabilities.

From being in custody to actively giving back—his story is one of real transformation.

“He’s now in work, involved with football, and making positive choices,” Jason reflects. “That’s what DIVERT is about – catching people at the right moment and helping them build something better.”

Listening to Young Women is Key to Preventing Crime

Appearing recently on the BBC’s Sunday Politics London, Lib Peck, Director of the London Violence Reduction Unit, spoke about the unit’s mission to prevent violence — particularly against women and girls — by listening to young people and ensuring they feel safe, heard, and supported. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young women can access mentoring, build resilience, and explore positive pathways.

DIVERT, the police custody intervention programme — delivered by Bounce Back and funded by the London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) — continues to demonstrate the power of early intervention and tailored support in steering young people away from violence and towards brighter futures.

The recent commentary by Vicki Markiewicz, Executive Director at Change Grow Live, echoes this need for early, compassionate interventions — especially for women in contact with the criminal justice system. She highlights the critical importance of trauma-informed, gender-responsive support and smarter sentencing strategies that prioritise rehabilitation over short-term custody. Programmes like DIVERT are already helping realise this vision by intervening at a pivotal moment — in police custody — and acting as a bridge to health, wellbeing, and community services. As Markiewicz notes, the system urgently needs better continuity of care and a shift in priorities, and DIVERT is proving how such upstream investment can reduce long-term harm, ease pressure on probation, and create real, lasting change for young women.

Peck shared that since its inception, the VRU has funded more than 400,000 opportunities for young Londoners. These range from communication skills workshops in schools to embedding youth workers in hospitals and police custody suites — including through projects like DIVERT.

“Prevention works,” she emphasised, noting that while the VRU’s recent Strategic Needs Assessment revealed an Increase in violence involving women since 2019, it also showed a reduction in youth homicides and knife crime. This is a clear sign that long-term investment in prevention is making a difference.

One standout example of this impact is Courtney, who was first referred to DIVERT during the Covid-19 pandemic by a mental health nurse while in custody at Brixton police station.

But thanks to DIVERT, Courtney’s life began to change. With consistent one-to-one support, she was signposted to a range of development opportunities — from driving and healthcare training to English, Maths, and teaching courses. She was also helped to access financial support and mental health services.

Courtney has always dreamed of becoming a paramedic. Through the DIVERT programme, she has gained valuable experience working in both a GP surgery and a COVID vaccination centre, as well as insight into the operations of the London Ambulance Service.

Courtney is not only actively pursuing her career ambitions but also gives back to the programme as an ambassador — sharing her story with key figures, including the Mayor of London and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

DIVERT continues to prove that with the right support at a critical moment, young lives can be steered away from crime and towards meaningful, long-term futures. It’s more than a programme — it’s a lifeline that listens, supports, and empowers young people to realise their potential.

From a Crossroads to a Career and Education with DIVERT Support

“If it wasn’t for the DIVERT team my grandson wouldn’t be where he is now, they helped him when he needed it most.” – Grandmother of participant

In June 2023, a 15-year-old from North London was referred to the DIVERT programme via its new digital early intervention tool the DIVERT App. Concerned about the young person’s wellbeing, the referral was submitted following the teenager’s arrest for serious drugs and weapons related offences.

Designed to help frontline police officers in Camden & Islington connect vulnerable young people to timely support, the App enabled an officer based in one of the schools to make a direct referral to the DIVERT team. DIVERT is a Metropolitan Police initiative funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit and delivered in partnership with the Bounce Back Project.

The officer, who had built a rapport with the young person through school engagement work, believed he was at a crucial crossroads. The behaviour that led to the arrest was reportedly out of character, and there were growing concerns around potential exploitation and gang association.

His DIVERT coach, Matt, arranged a visit with the young person and his grandmother, who had long been his primary carer. It was clear that she was providing a stable home environment and was deeply worried about the sudden changes in his behaviour. She feared that he had become vulnerable to manipulation by others and was relieved that support was being offered early.

When approached by the DIVERT team, the young person was honest about his mistakes and expressed remorse for his actions and a willingness to change. He was not seeking to avoid responsibility, but to take meaningful steps forward and away from the levels of risk he had become involved in. He had ambitions to work in a practical field, with a particular interest in construction and a long-term goal of becoming self-employed.

Court Involvement and Accountability

In Spring 2025 the young person attended court after being charged with possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class A drugs, an offence for which he had been arrested in Summer 2022. To support the young person at his Court hearing, his DIVERT coach, Matt, submitted a testimony outlining the positive steps he had taken since his arrest and provided the court with a fuller picture of his efforts to rehabilitate. It underlined how structured intervention had assisted him and how his own personal commitment had led to meaningful change.

Entering Employment and Education

With the guidance of DIVERT and their delivery partners, the young person gradually began to reform himself. With the support of his DIVERT coach, Matt, and his family, he enrolled in a Level 1 Electrical Installation course at a local college and attended a pre-employment programme to build workplace confidence and learn basic life skills. Recognising the value of structure and routine, he also began looking for part-time work to support his studies and personal growth.

By September 2023, he had secured a role through Pret a Manger’s Rising Stars programme, which supports young people facing barriers into employment. The work offered not only financial stability, but also a sense of responsibility and community. Over time, he became a trusted and valued team member and after passing his probation, he was offered a position at a high-profile branch. Due to his commitment and ability, later the following year he was invited to join a leadership programme, which included a week-long teambuilding retreat in Austria.

Now 17, this young person is preparing to begin a Level 3 Electrical Installation course, with the support of his DIVERT coach, Matt, to transition into an apprenticeship. He remains committed to building a stable, positive future and recognises the opportunity he has been given to make a lasting change.

Bluntly Put- Kent Opera Leads the Way in Knife Crime Prevention for Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025

This Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025, Divert and Bounce Back is proud to stand alongside Kent Opera, a pioneering force in youth engagement, education, and crime prevention, as they take meaningful action to tackle the root causes of knife crime in our communities.

At the centre of Kent Opera’s work is “Bluntly Put”, a bold campaign in partnership with Amari Rae Foundation offering fully funded Knife & Offensive Weapons Awareness Workshops to secondary schools across London. These are not traditional classroom sessions — they are dynamic, interactive workshops led by expert facilitators with frontline experience in youth work and crime prevention.

Each session is designed to:

• Build understanding of the legal, emotional, and social consequences of knife crime
• Empower students with the confidence to make informed and safe decisions
• Promote empathy, self-awareness, and open discussion
• Encourage critical thinking and positive peer engagement

Kent Opera’s approach is rooted in prevention through education — giving young people the knowledge and space to reflect before they are exposed to risky situations. These workshops are tailored to resonate with young audiences and are based on real-life experiences that highlight the dangers of carrying a weapon.

See his full story here.

November 2023 – Fabio’s Journey

Fabio was determined to escape his past when he was referred to DIVERT.  He was keen to establish a trade and completed several training courses including A Railway engineering and Track Safety Course. Developing a passion to work in the railway and engineering sector, with thanks to an introduction through the British Drilling association he is now working full time with Ngage Resourcing. See his full story here.

October 2023

A wonderful story from a young lad met in custody: “I had no idea what DIVERT was. I was offered support in a moment of helplessness during an arrest. I had no exceptions. Billy, walked into the police cell I was held in and a weight was simply lifted off my shoulders instantaneously, I burst out into tears. Someone cared without any shame or expectations. I wanted out of the system. I wanted help. Since that moment, Billy’s constantly made efforts to help me get my life back on track. More so, where I want my life to be. I’ve managed to enrol onto a voluntary advice program which is now helping me to not only understand myself, but restore the same favour back into society.”

August 2023

Full house for our World of Work 3 day training session this month delivered in partnership with My Options. Candidates did the serious stuff getting prepared for jobs and interviews with a bit of fun with some interesting, interactive exercises. As ever amazing feedback and a few more candidates feeling more confident about entering employment.

August 2023

Congratulations to Billy’s client KP who has accepeted a job with Connection Crew in record time following his release from custody.   KP completed the 3 day Academy Training Programme, passed all competency tests first time & accepted a job offer that came immediately after. He really has got exciting times ahead working as their “Crew” having learnt how to set up stages, lighting & sound for festivals & large events.