Pioneering ARU youth project marks milestone
Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner meets participants of Trusted Adult Scheme
Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner with participants taking part in arts activities
A unique initiative led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to support children and young people in Cambridge is going from strength to strength.
The Trusted Adult Scheme has just celebrated its second anniversary and to mark the occasion, Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner visited the project and presented awards to the participants, recognising their achievements and the scheme’s success.
Run in conjunction with Cambridgeshire County Council, the programme is open to young people aged 13-19 who are identified as at risk. It offers a safe, supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop skills and form positive relationships with trusted adults.
ARU students and academics work alongside children’s services practitioners from Cambridgeshire County Council to provide mentorship and deliver weekly sessions on campus, which include activities such as art, computer games and music.
Since launching in 2023 as an initial six-month pilot, the Trusted Adult Scheme has now supported 123 children and young people on ARU’s Cambridge campus.
“The Trusted Adult Scheme is making a real difference to young people in Cambridge, creating safe spaces where they can thrive. I’m delighted to be celebrating this milestone with the ARU team, the youth workers, and most importantly, the young people who make this project so special.”
Daniel Zeichner MPThe programme is co-ordinated by Dr Paul Nelson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing, alongside his ARU colleagues Vicky Gadd and Viv Ellis.
“This is a truly unique initiative – there’s nothing else quite like it at any other UK university. We’re proud of how well it’s been received by the young people who take part and seeing the difference it makes and hearing their stories is incredibly rewarding.
“Opening our campus to the community in this way is a powerful example of ARU’s civic mission in action. It’s not only transformative for the young people, but also for our students, who gain valuable experience by volunteering as youth support workers.
“Two of the young people who have been attending the sessions have now secured part-time roles at ARU, working in our catering and maintenance teams alongside their college studies, and are now considering further qualifications and university.
“These outcomes are exactly what we hoped for when we launched the scheme, and it was wonderful to see the young people joined by parents, guardians and carers to celebrate their achievements.”
Dr Paul Nelson
“We are proud to partner with ARU on the Trusted Adult Scheme, which empowers and supports vulnerable young people to build their confidence in a safe environment.
“This initiative is a vital part of our commitment to safeguarding and inclusion, supporting our ambition to help children and young people have opportunities to thrive in Cambridgeshire, no matter their circumstances or background.”
Cllr Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County CouncilThanks to Access and Participation funding from ARU and support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, the Trusted Adult Scheme now has funding until 2029, while a pilot project to expand the programme is taking place at ARU Peterborough between now and March 2026.