Services for Young People Hertfordshire Services for Young People

Positive Alternatives

Positive Alternatives is a Services for Young People programme for 11-17 year olds who are at risk of becoming involved with gangs and violent crimes. It focuses on risks and consequences.

The Positive Alternatives programme motivates young people to actively consider alternatives to gang culture and crime.

Positive Alternatives offers young people the opportunity to learn about keeping themselves safe and making positive choices in relation to gangs and knife crime.

All programme includes dynamic and interactive workshop sessions delivered by fully-qualified youth workers which focus on:

  • identity and belonging
  • gang culture
  • stereotypes and gender
  • violence
  • responsibilities
  • county lines
  • knife crime and reducing use of weapons


Want to get involved?

Please email us at sfyp@hertfordshire.gov.uk or call us on 0300 123 7538 and mention Positive Alternatives.


Feedback from young people who've taken part

“I used to look at people who like carried knives, carried guns as kind of like bad people who chose that lifestyle and now, I realise they don’t always get that choice. They are just vulnerable kids who have got involved in something they shouldn’t have.”

“Positive Alternatives helps young people understand why carrying knives is wrong and not safe… helps young people understand how to stay out of trouble.”

“It’s opened my eyes a bit. I had no idea what county lines was until now.”

“It teaches you about the consequences of carrying a knife or being member of a gang so you can understand why it’s bad.”

“It was really good and built up my confidence.”

“It’s enjoyable and educational.”

Refer a young person

If you are a parent/carer or a professional who works with young people, you can refer a young person to this programme, particularly  if they are:

  • not in employment, education or training
  • persistently absent and/or excluded from school or an Educational Support Centre
  • at risk of child criminal exploitation
  • at risk of child sexual exploitation
  • experiencing poor mental health

On receipt of your referral we will be in touch with the young person and their parent/carer to arrange an initial meeting and discuss whether the programme is suitable for their needs.

If you are a young person who wants to find out more about this programme please email us at sfyp@hertfordshire.gov.uk call us on 0300 123 7538.