Y-Box – New violence prevention model developed to help tackle male youth violence
A new violence prevention programme has been developed to help address the growing issue of male youth violence.
The Y-Box model is a targeted, evidence-based programme that works with young men aged 12-21 to explore the themes of masculinity and violence. The programme provides a framework for young men to reflect on their relationship with violence and to work through challenges.
The programme has been developed by Dr Colm Walsh from Queen’s University Belfast and Leigh Whitely from the Education Authority Northern Ireland (EANI) with funding and support by the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Dr Colm Walsh said: “The Y-Box model is a social education programme that has been developed for use in schools and youth group settings. The aim of this evidence-informed and co-produced intervention protocol is to provide a framework for youth workers to engage with young men around the theme of masculinity and violence.
“Violence is the most experienced trauma for young people in Northern Ireland with young men at higher risk of being a victim or perpetrator or both. This model will provide a tool for practitioners to help young men and boys understand their relationship with violence and practice non-violent alternatives.”
EPPOC Director, Adele Brown, said: “The Y-Box model shows once again how Northern Ireland is leading the way in developing evidence-based solutions to prevent young men getting involved in interpersonal, community-based violence. This will have a positive impact on lives now and in the future.
“The model has been tested and is now ready to be used more widely across Northern Ireland and also beyond. It’s part of a wider suite of evidence-based innovative initiatives that are helping reduce youth violence and break a complex cycle of harm.”
If you would like more information about the Y-Box programme please contact EPPOC on EPPOC@endingtheharm.info
