The Princess Royal visited North Tyneside to celebrate 'outstanding’ Youth Justice Service
The Princess Royal visited Riverside Family Hub in North Shields with dignitaries and council representatives gathering to welcome Princess Anne to the borough.
Arriving in her role as Patron of The Butler Trust, the visit was centred around award-winning former Youth Justice Worker, Justin Laidler, and his team’s support for vulnerable young people.
Justin first met Princess Anne in April 2024 at the annual Butler Trust Awards where his all-round-excellence and ability to inspire hope won him the Princess Anne Outstanding Achievement Award 2023-24.
After hearing about the inspirational work in building positive relationships with young people, advocating for them and making a real difference to their lives, the Princess Royal chose to visit Justin to once again congratulate him on everything he has achieved.
She was keen to find out more about the fantastic work of North Tyneside’s Youth Justice Service, a statutory partnership made up of staff from the council’s social care and education services, Northumbria Police, the National Probation Service and local health services.
Princess Anne spent an hour with the service, learning more about the huge difference they make to the life prospects of vulnerable children and the wider support available.
At the end of the visit, she unveiled a commemorative plaque, which will be proudly displayed in the hub.
Speaking on the visit, Justin Laidler said: “It’s an honour to have Her Royal Highness visit my team in North Tyneside as they have all been an integral part of my journey over the last 21 years and supported me through every high and low.”
Julie Firth, director of Children’s Services at North Tyneside Council, added: “I know what a difference our Youth Justice Service makes to young people’s lives every single day and to see this celebrated not only on a national scale, but with a visit from royalty, makes me extremely proud.
“It can be a very difficult job at times and a visit from The Princess Royal is the biggest boost to morale possible. We’re extremely honoured to be able to showcase how we do things here in North Tyneside and how our service can help to turn people’s lives around.”
The annual Butler Trust Awards celebrate and recognise outstanding work across UK prisons, probation and youth justice services.