YOUTH workers will be out on the streets as part of a Dorset Council scheme to help vulnerable and at risk young people in the county.

Dorset Council’s Targeted Youth Workers are said to be actively exploring places, spaces, and situations where young people may be out and about.

The Targeted Youth Workers will be easily recognisable as they will be wearing yellow Dorset Council backpacks when conducting their work within the community.

The council said its Targeted Youth Workers are using an informal approach to engage with children and young people, to make sure they feel safe. The council said that workers will build relationships with them, seek to understand their problems, and provide support and signpost to help when needed.

The youth workers intend to engage with young people and assess if they are at risk of harm, and will work closely with partner organisations to ensure young people get the right support, at the right time.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said; “Our Targeted Youth Workers play a vital role within our communities when it comes to safeguarding Dorset’s young people.

“Unfortunately, young people and children are vulnerable to abuse beyond their front doors. The work that our Targeted Youth Workers do is so important because it improves our understanding of these risks and enables us to engage with children and young people to help keep them safe.”

The council is also urging the public to help them to protect children in Dorset.

A spokesman said: "Although most young people are just wanting to spend time with friends, we know that sometimes young people can end up in situations that they do not want to be in. This could lead to them being exploited, offending, or causing harm to themselves or other people in the community.

"We all have a responsibility to keep our young people safe. You may see, hear, or experience things to do with young people in your local area, and if something does not feel right, or you have concerns, then please tell us about it.

"The information you share will help us plan our work to keep young people safe. If you’d like to share some information with us, then please get in touch with your area’s locality team."

If you're worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person who lives in Dorset, contact the Children's Advice and Duty Service (ChAD) on 01305 228866

If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police immediately on 999. To report a crime, do it online: www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online