At Lancashire Police, we know that behind every incident of anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, or missing from home report is a young person who may be facing challenges that are not always visible. Through Operation U Turn, we are working alongside partner organisations to engage with these young people in a positive and meaningful way, helping them make safer choices and build brighter futures.

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Funded through a range of organisations and charities, including the Community Alcohol Partnership, Operation U Turn focuses on young people under the age of 16 who have been identified as being at risk through their involvement in anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, or repeated missing episodes. Rather than simply responding to incidents, the programme aims to understand the causes behind the behaviour and provide early intervention and support.

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Using the funding available, the Neighbourhood Prevention Team identifies cohorts of young people who may benefit from additional engagement and support. We then organise a range of targeted activities that take them away from their usual environment and give them the opportunity to experience something new and positive.

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Recent activities have included pony trekking in the Forest of Bowland, alpaca walking, canoeing, and visits to an inflatable water park, all delivered alongside police officers and partner agencies. While these activities are enjoyable and often outside of the young people's normal experiences, they serve a much greater purpose than simply providing a day out.

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By spending time together in a relaxed and informal setting, barriers can begin to break down. Many of the young people we work with have had previous contact with the police that may not always have been positive. Operation U Turn provides an opportunity to rebuild relationships, challenge perceptions, and show that police officers are there to support as well as protect.

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These days create valuable opportunities for conversation and trust-building. Away from the pressures of home, school, or peer groups, young people often feel more comfortable opening up about the challenges they face. Officers are able to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing behaviour, whether that be family difficulties, peer pressure, exploitation concerns, mental health issues, or other vulnerabilities. This insight allows us to work with partner agencies to provide the right support at the right time.

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The success of Operation U Turn highlights the importance of early intervention and partnership working. By engaging young people before behaviours escalate, we can help reduce risks, improve outcomes, and strengthen community safety. Most importantly, we can show young people that there are positive alternatives available to them and that there are people who care about helping them succeed.

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Every young person deserves the opportunity to be heard, supported, and given the chance to fulfil their potential. Through Operation U Turn, Lancashire Police and its partners are helping young people take that opportunity and, in many cases, make a genuine U Turn towards a more positive future.

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"Sometimes the most effective intervention isn't a conversation across a desk, but a shared experience that builds trust, confidence and understanding. Operation U Turn is proving that positive engagement can be the first step towards lasting change."

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