PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM

At 16 Yards, our 12-Week Group Mentoring Program is built for young people who are at risk of entering the justice system—or already navigating it. It offers a structured, real-world space to connect, reflect, and build tools for change. It’s not therapy, and it’s not a lecture. It’s a space for honest conversation, practical growth, and stronger identity.

The program is grounded in leading desistance and motivational theories, and deeply informed by lived experience of both youth and adult justice systems—as well as insight into the current trends driving youth crime. It’s early intervention with real edge—delivered by mentors who’ve lived it, left it behind, and are now guiding others towards something better.

The Program

Our 12-Week Peer Group Engagement Program is designed to help groups of young people develop positive life skills and adopt a prosocial identity. Through peer collaboration, participants explore personal growth, resilience, and communication, all while building strong, supportive relationships.

Strategic Themes Covered

Our Mentoring Model

Our model for identity transformation offers a unique pathway for individuals seeking purposeful change and growth. Developed through evidence-informed practices, it emphasises both mindset shifts and self-determination as foundational pillars.

Our approach fosters a supportive, open environment where individuals can gain new perspectives, build meaningful connections, and recognise the transferable skills they already possess. By setting purposeful goals and cultivating sustainable life structures, our model guides personal growth that lasts.

Rooted in practical application and ongoing refinement, this model remains a dynamic part of our work, designed to create genuine opportunities for self-directed, positive change.

Wrap-Around Strategic Support

At 16 Yards, we believe that effective mentoring is a team effort. Our mentors receive ongoing support and supervision from our leadership team, including Shayne Hood and Dr. Stephane Shepherd. This wrap-around strategic support ensures that mentoring plans are continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of each young person.

Through regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and the provision of additional resources, our mentoring programs are strengthened by a collaborative approach. This allows us to remain flexible, responsive, and aligned with the best outcomes for each participant, whether in one-on-one mentoring or group settings.