As an ex prison governor and trustee of WiSE, I know how important these opportunities are for these young men.

Grateful to the passionate and determined people of @Shiftukorg who took the time to meet with staff and the children and young people of HMYOI Wetherby yesterday.

Wetherby are raising money for Martin House Childrens Hospice – please donate by clicking on our link for Just Giving. justgiving.com/page/wetherbyy… Lots of fundraising events to follow in 2024 for our chosen charity.

Help us on our mission…lots of challenges for us in 2024 Martin House Children's Hospice

It’s a new year, but my priorities for the YCS remain the same as we move into 2024: - ensuring our sites are safe and secure - making the YCS a great place to work for our people - children and young people leaving our care in a better place (1/2)

Looking for a career like no other? An extraordinary job. Done by someone like you. Apply now ➡️ bit.ly/3LAzc76

We're always looking for ways to create an environment that supports our young people. Our induction unit has a new, much more comfortable feel, to help our young people better engage with the professionals who are there to support them while in custody. #NewBeginnings

One of our children recently utilised their Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) to attend their driving theory test. This is something of a first for us at Wetherby, and will pave the way for other children in custody.

For #childrensmentalhealthweek it’s important to reflect on the ways we approach children’s mental health. Recently, colleagues at HMYOI Cookham Wood and Wetherby took part in a trauma informed training programme. Click on the link below to learn more: ow.ly/w9Fs50QypaF

We can better care for children and young people in custody when we come together and draw on expertise from across disciplines. This is how we’ll build stronger relationships and safer environments.

Our staff here at Wetherby and SHiFT came together to look at ways to improve outcomes for children and their families in the community. These partnerships are vital to ensure we're supporting children and young people to build a positive future.

We are pleased that staff from HMYOIWerrington joined us today to present access to regime. This was followed by a discussion around the challenges in opening a regime to all. With thanks to HMYOI Wetherby for running a session on best safeguarding practices at the establishment.

Every day I continue to be inspired by the commitment my colleagues across the YCS and wider justice system show in their care of the most complex and vulnerable children and young people in the country. But recent events have rightly increased scrutiny on us all. /1

I am extremely grateful for the essential work of YCS staff and across the system in caring for some of the most challenging and complex children and young people in the country. I look forward to continuing to work together to progress these priorities throughout this year. /8

Our thanks to the Archbishop of York Archbishop of York who visited last month to support and talk with our children and young people, encouraging open conversation. Credit to our multi-faith chaplaincy team for making it happen.

.Sean Conway visited us at HMYOI Wetherby to give an inspiring talk to the children and young people. Sean shared practical tips on staying focused and resilient through sharing his own journey as an athlete. It was a really engaging session - thank you Sean!

💪Great to see Poppy on #Gladiators! Her role is essential in helping young people with not only physical wellbeing but also discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These skills can directly impact better decision making in everyday life, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.