The Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North West Coast is excited to welcome Joshua Banks as the new public adviser. Josh, an accomplished Thai boxer and director of a young person’s service, recently addressed the ARCFEST audience representing his sport and community focused initiative the ‘Solis Group’, highlighted the critical issues faced by at-risk children in the St Helens and surrounding communities, particularly those ensnared by county lines activities.

According to national statistics, since the Government’s County Lines Programme launched in 2019, authorities have closed 5,627 county lines, arrested 16,536 individuals, and referred 8,817 people to safeguarding services. Notably, 2,452 of these referrals occurred in 2023 alone.

7,432 referrals relating to children in 2023 were made to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and criminal exploitation, an increase of 45% since 2021.

Over the five years between April 2018 and March 2023, 568 young people aged 16-24 were violently killed in England and Wales and 24 in Scotland. The vast majority were killed by being stabbed. Over the same period in England and Wales there were 19,399 cautions or convictions of children under 18 for possession of a knife or offensive weapon11 in addition to 20,973 drug offences.

Josh brings a robust background in sports coaching, fitness, and sports psychology to his new role. His expertise is now channelled into developing holistic martial arts and boxing programmes designed to offer a safe and positive environment for vulnerable youths. His initiatives also extend support to unaccompanied child asylum seekers and looked after children, along with coaching national youth representatives in a variety of combat sports.

“I knew I had to make a difference in my community,” Josh shared. “Growing up, I witnessed a lot of young people become lost as an outcome of county lines and exploitation. The situation only worsened over time, and seeing the health inequalities and poverty in these areas deeply concerned me.”

Josh credits his father and grandmother as significant influences in his life. “My father gave me the opportunity to see the world and pursue sporting career as an athlete and sports coach in central Europe and southeast Asia. I was particularly struck by the strong sense of community and the role and positive impact sports had in their lives. In Cambodia and Thailand, I saw how boxing and Thai boxing supported family units and strengthened community bonds.”

Upon returning to the UK, Josh initiated Thai boxing and boxing programmes aimed at helping young people involved in county lines and gangs. “I wanted to help young people create positive spaces in their lives, just as I had the chance to do.”

Josh has also worked extensively in children’s homes, recognising the need for better environments. He has since founded his own children’s supported accommodation service to support those in need. “Being in care can be traumatic. Planning the transition to independence and giving a young person a sense of community and belonging can help reduce fear and trauma when moving into independence. We have team meetings and open discussions to constantly improve what we offer and how we support those we look after.”

Collaborating with Community Interest Companies (CICs) and community engagement programmes in Liverpool and St Helens, as well as the local authority members within the communities he works. Josh ensures that even as children transition out of care, they remain integrated with their community through gyms, football, and ongoing support. His workforce consists of individuals who have been in care, reflecting his belief in employing locally to provide relatable support.

“Our courses take a one-on-one approach where possible to reduce the risk of negative networking and break down barriers,” Josh noted. Currently, he is co-developing a boxing and education programme aimed at pre-involvement and pre-education for county lines, and he is considering pursuing a master’s degree in a sports or community-based course.

Josh is committed to making Solis Group a hub where young people can seek comprehensive support in all areas of their lives. With Josh on the beginning of his journey with ARC NWC he surmised “I want to expand my knowledge and network with policymakers and to use my voice as a public adviser so they can understand what’s happening at the street level. Together, we can overcome barriers and reduce health and social care inequalities to support our communities,” he concluded.

ARC NWC looks forward to the positive impact Joshua Banks will bring to the collaboration and the broader community.

To learn more about Josh or his work, you can email him at: Joshuabanks@soliscare.co.uk