More than 30 teenagers took part in the first boot camp for at at-risk young people this week.

The six-day residential programme hopes to provide intensive intervention for at-risk young people, particularly those already known to the helping professions, employment services, education or the criminal justice system.

It is part of the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation's Mirrors programme, launched earlier this year which also involved local people who have volunteered to give up their time to help.

Thirty-seven youths participated in the first residential programme, held at the Willowbank Hotel this week.

Many of these young people have been involved in the Mirrors programme prior to the boot camp.

The six-day residential intervention helps participating youths confront the issues holding them back and encourages them to make positive life decisions.

Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler will host a Welcome Home Ceremony at the Berkeley Institute for Mirrors staff, volunteers, participants and parents on Saturday.

Mr. Butler said: "This reception will mark the culmination of the hard work of the Mirrors staff, the hundreds of volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours and the youth who are being given a hand up rather than a hand out. I would encourage everyone who can come to this event to come and show their support."

Members of the public are also invited to the ceremony at Berkeley Institute at 6 p.m. tomorrow.