Navigators

A 'Navigators' programme has been launched in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals to support young people who have been injured by violence.

Specially-trained Navigators based in Hull Royal Infirmary, Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital are reaching out to patients aged between 11 and 35 who have suffered injuries linked to violence, including knife crime.

The Navigators will build relationships with these young people, guiding them to local services and providing ongoing support to help them make positive changes in their lives.

To develop the service, we commissioned NHS Humber Health Partnership - the group representing Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and Hull University Teaching Hospitals. The Partnership will work with Tigers Trust and The Blue Door to deliver the programme.

Who Are the Navigators?

Navigators can be recruited from a range of backgrounds including youth work, social work, nursing, probation and medicine.

The Navigator will not ask the young person about their incident in detail. They are only interested in what happens next and in steering them towards a better future.

As Navigators is an independent and confidential service, they will only confide in people who the patient wants them to tell - unless the young person is in serious danger.

Shona Nicholson and Helen Longstaff, Navigators at Hull Royal Infirmary

Why is This Needed?

Hospital admissions for assault with a sharp object have increased by 9% since 2021 in the Humber region, with a significant proportion of those affected being under 24.

How Will the Navigators Help?

• Confidential support: The Navigators will offer confidential care, guidance and practical advice to help young people address the issues affecting their lives.
• Building relationships: They will build trusting relationships with young people, focusing on their needs and helping them make positive choices.
• Connecting to services: Navigators will connect young people to relevant services, such as housing, drug and alcohol support and mental health services.
• Ongoing support: They will provide ongoing support, including mentoring and life skills training, to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Who Can Access the Service?

Anyone aged 11 to 35 who turns up at A&E departments following a violent incident or who is admitted to hospital wards for treatment can be approached directly by a Navigator.

They can also be referred to the service by hospital staff or they can request support themselves once they arrive at hospital.

Further Resources

Our campaigns aim to educate and empower young people to make positive choices. Please click on the relevant link to learn more about the campaign and access free resources.

• Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Knife Crime Together | Helping professionals, parents and caregivers have conversations with young people about the realities of knife crime. >> Visit the campaign page
• Listen to Us! (Trusted Adults) | Supporting trusted adults to talk to young people without judgment, agenda or expectation. >> Visit the campaign page
• Talk to Us! (Trusted Adults) | Encouraging young people to reach out to a trusted adult for support. >> Link to campaign page
• Youth Connect | A website for 11-to-18-year-olds seeking to explore new interests, develop skills and meet new friends in the Humber area. >> Visit Youth Connect
• Not In Our Community | Teaching children and young people about crime prevention and safety. >> Visit Not In our Community

If you, or anyone you know, struggles with these subjects, please visit our help and support page. Contact the police on 101 if you are concerned about serious violence, have information or need to report an incident. In case of an emergency, call 999.

More Information

If you would like more information about the Navigators programme or our organisation, please email us using the button below.

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