A unique chance to help wayward youngsters out of a life of crime is being offered in Southend.

At sessions due to start this month, members of the public will be recruited and trained to sit on youth offender panels.

Previous training sessions have meant that local people are able to work with young offenders, their families and victims of crime to provide support and prevent further offending by youngsters.

The Southend Youth Offending Team is looking for men and women aged 18 or over.

Patricia Cox, the council's referral co-ordinator for the team, said: "This is a great opportunity for members of the public to become part of the youth justice system, enabling them to help make a real difference to the lives of young people."

The team is made up of Southend Council, Essex Police, the South East Essex Health Authority and Essex Probation Service.

For more information call 01702 608500.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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