Is Anybody Listening? How Communication Support Can Transform Lives in North Wales

When young people enter the youth justice system, they face an uphill battle. Now imagine doing so without understanding what’s being said, or being able to express yourself clearly. For many young people, communication isn’t just difficult, it’s a hidden barrier that can shape their entire future.

Communication Challenges Are Common and Costly

Research from the Senedd highlights that at least 60% of young people involved with the youth justice system have a speech, language, or communication need (SLCN). In other areas of Wales, this figure has been recorded as high as 79%.

Meanwhile, research from the National Institute for Health and Care Research found that young offenders with undiagnosed developmental language disorder (DLD) are more than twice as likely to reoffend within a year compared to peers without such difficulties.

Taken together, these findings show that hidden communication difficulties are not just a side issue. They are a major roadblock to rehabilitation and lasting change.

Why Communication Matters in Justice

The youth justice system hinges on language. Young people are expected to understand what’s happening during police interviews or court proceedings, engage with rehabilitative programs, express remorse or their perspective, and follow both written and verbal instructions.

If a young person struggles to process what’s said or to articulate their thoughts, even when they want to, they can be misjudged as uncooperative, confused, or dismissive. These misunderstandings can lead to frustration, disengagement, and a higher risk of reoffending.

Where Vocal Voyage Steps In

At Vocal Voyage, we are committed to breaking that cycle here in North Wales. We work with young people aged 11–24 in Conwy and Denbighshire who have speech and language challenges, whether diagnosed or not.

Our work focuses on building communication skills, confidence, reducing isolation, improving mental health, and fostering a sense of belonging. These are all recognised as major factors in whether a young person becomes involved in, or returns to, the youth justice system.

While we are not a clinical service, our programmes focus on understanding, empowerment, and practical communication skills. We build self-assurance in safe, nurturing environments through mentoring and youth groups that celebrate every voice. We help develop real-world communication skills for situations like speaking in a difficult conversation or preparing for an interview. We create opportunities for social connection so young people do not feel alone or isolated. And we give them tools to take control of their own future with confidence.

A Call to Prevent Reoffending Through Communication

The evidence is clear: undiagnosed communication difficulties more than double the risk of reoffending. By identifying and supporting these young people early, we can help them avoid entering or returning to the youth justice system.

If you work in youth justice, education, or community services in North Wales, we would love to work with you to make sure these young people are not only heard, but truly understood.

Email: byron@vocalvoyage.org
Call/Text: 07366 245284