A WORCESTERSHIRE charity which supports youngsters who have offended or are at risk of offending needs volunteers to get involved in four groundbreaking schemes in Redditch.

Youth Support Services (YSS) works with young people and adults to increase their self-esteem and encourage them to make positive decisions.

Volunteer "appropriate adults" support 10-16 year olds during police interviews, fingerprinting and other police procedures.

Their responsibility is to ensure the rights and welfare of the young people - but there is a shortage of people during evenings and at weekends in Redditch.

Another scheme, CONNECT, needs volunteers to help in the re-settlement of young offenders aged 18 and over who have been sentenced to less than 12 months' custody.

Mentors work with the offenders on release to support them and help them resettle into the community.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire ICCP is a scheme for 18-20-year-old offenders and is an alternative to a 12-months or less custodial sentence. Mentors help motivate the young person during a six-month intensive programme.

And YISP is another scheme aimed at helping youngsters aged eight-13 who have had a difficult start to life by encouraging them to fulfil their potential.

For information about YISP,CONNECT or ICCP, call Justin Bryant on 01905 799698 or e-mail justin@yss.org.uk

For details about the appropriate adult scheme, call Sam Jones on 01905 776734 or e-mail: sam@yss.org.uk