More than 30 people who work with the Island’s youth are participating in the first training session for an innovative programme aimed at Bermuda’s troubled teens.

Minister of Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler hopes by educating the youth workers, they will then be able to recommend and recruit at risk youth who can participate in the intensive Mirrors youth residential programme in November.

The aim of the Mirrors course, of which the residential portion is just one part, is to get the 15-18 year-olds to change their mindsets and take responsibility for their lives.

Yesterday,with Mark Charley, CEO of Uncommon Results, a personal development consulting company, Mr. Butler launched the first three-day Mirrors workshop for Youth Professionals.

Mr. Butler said: “As you know, the staff of the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation have worked diligently over the last three months to put into place the foundation blocks for the Mirrors programme.

“As a result of this three day training, these Youth Professionals will be able to speak from experience to their clients about what they will experience as part of the Mirrors programme and what is possible for them.”

As part of the unique experience, 30 to 40 young adults will live for six days on Paget Island, St. George’s in November this year. On an Island, without distractions, the youth will spend time understanding their lives, examining their beliefs and learning how to better manage their thoughts and feelings through the residential programme.

Following the residential course, the youths will be paired with a life coach who they will meet with every month and will become involved in community organisations.

First, though, the Youth Professionals and volunteers who will provide support during and after the programme will experience a “snap-shot” of what their young people will be doing.

Mr. Charley, who is leading the workshop will also co-ordinate the residential component for the young adults in November, though the participants have not yet been chosen.

He said: “Personal development begins with choices so once youth are identified there are three steps. The first is an orientation into the programme and then an interview process followed by pre-course, one-day trial.”

The response from the public has been overwhelming, however, and the Ministry has been inundated with phone calls recommending youth as well as volunteers.

Mr. Butler added: “This is an exciting time for this community and we have a fantastic opportunity to be able to give 30 to 40 youth a chance to reflect, look at their options and make some plans to direct their future to achieve their potential.”

Anyone interested in training as a volunteer, or suggesting a suitable young person to participate in Mirrors, should contact the programme office at 278-4904.