At least 200 volunteers are needed for a new programme aimed at changing the mindsets of at-risk youth.

The Mirrors programme was launched by Government earlier this year to force at-risk 15 to 18-year-olds to confront their cynicism and take responsibility for their own lives.

And over the past two months 107 youth professionals have been trained to help identify youth who would benefit from the programme which will help between 30 to 40 youth initially.

Yesterday organisers urged residents in Bermuda to volunteer for this project, which will provide a unique opportunity for youth to examine their lives.

Minister of Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler said: “In order for Mirrors to be successful it cannot be viewed as just another Government programme.

“The community must see this programme as an opportunity to make a difference and they must get involved. The Mirrors approach puts into action the old saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’

“I am inviting you to be part of the village that will help to change the fate of our at-risk young people.”

Mark Charley CEO of Uncommon Results, will run a six-day residential programme for troubled teens in November this year with the help of local volunteers.

All of the helpers will receive training, which they will use in a variety of roles including coaching, enrolment, residential and administrative support for the residential programme.

Initially volunteers will be needed for the enrolment portion to give presentations targeting teens for the programme.

And Mr. Butler said they will be running TV and radio adverts over the next few months in order to recruit the necessary volunteers, who can be from any professional background, but must be 21 and over.

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

And he urged anyone interested in giving their “selfless” service to the programme to contact the Mirrors office at 294-9291 or to email at mirrors[AT]gov.bm.