Evaluation of the Merseyside Navigator Programme: A hospital-based violence intervention programme for young people affected by or at risk of violence

Youth violence is a major public health issue with profound effects on children, families, and communities. Hospital Navigator Programmes typically combine brief in-hospital interventions with intensive community-based case management to reduce risk factors for reinjury while cultivating protective factors. Such programmes are built on the concept of a “teachable moment” − periods following violent injuries when individuals are more likely to be open to adopting risk-reducing behavioural changes. Evidence for Hospital Navigator programmes is limited, and there is a lack of robust estimates of their impact within the UK context. This study aimed to describe the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Merseyside Navigator Programme; a hospital-based violence intervention programme for young people affected by or at risk of violence at three hospital sites in Merseyside, England. Data was collected using qualitative interviews (n = 16) and a focus group (n = 1) with programme implementers and wider partners (n = 20). Young people (n = 14) participated through semi-structured interviews (n = 11) and qualitative questionnaires (n = 4). Online or phone interviews were conducted with parents/carers of young people (n = 3). Our findings suggest that Hospital Navigator programmes can effectively engage some young people at critical moments, increasing access to support services and improving physical and mental wellbeing, educational and employment outcomes, family relationships, and future aspirations. Key facilitators included a youth worker-led model, parental engagement, safeguarding support, flexible working hours, and ongoing awareness activities among hospital staff. Integrating Hospital Navigator Programmes into hospital structures and cultures requires significant preparatory work, complicated by UK-specific factors like short-term funding and commissioning cycles, and financial and staffing pressures within the UK health service.