What is your job all about? I'm a co-ordinator of the Rapid Action Project, a crime-prevention pilot scheme aimed at five- to 13-year-olds in Essex. In partnership with Essex Police, we work with young people who are truants, have been reprimanded by police, are living in homes with domestic violence or are under the age of criminal responsibility.

What are your responsibilities? I carry out staff recruitment, co-ordinate the project, liaise with staff at the Rapid Action Project and the police. I'm also responsible for the steering group that heads up the joint partnership and for six youth workers based in Essex.

What is a typical day like for you like? It varies from planning and staff supervision to attending key strategic staff meetings with crime-prevention agencies.

Do you have a youth work background?

I've worked with young people for many years. I have an affinity with those in the criminal justice system as I was jailed for being a political activist at 17.

What are the most rewarding aspects?

When a 12-year-old girl I was working with, who lacked anger-management skills, held her dignity when confronted by another girl at a party by walking out and calling her mother to pick her up.

Why is your job important? I can walk alongside them, help them realise their dreams and steer them to reach their potential. "Prevention is better than cure" sums up our work. There's a gap in services for this age group.

We try to nip any criminal involvement in the bud before it's too late and refocus their energies.

What's the biggest headache? Working with social services that lack time or resources. Finding long-term funding is an ongoing issue.