A team of youth counsellors have helped 58 young people said to be at risk of gang involvement, according to a Senator.LaVerne Furbert praised the High Risk Intervention Unit, part of Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, for its “commitment to strengthening and transforming lives”.The unit subscribes to research that indicates certain risk factors can help predict whether a young person will succumb to “delinquency, violence and gang membership”.It provides what Sen Furbert described as a “supportive, safety-focused context for clients while utilising resources available within the Department of Child and Family Services and the helping community”.There have been 58 referrals to the unit since it was launched last year; 19 of them since January this year. It also helps around 61 relatives of affected youngsters each month.Sen Furbert explained: “The work that the dedicated members of the High Risk Intervention Team undertake is very intense and takes place in the community, in homes, in offices and at undisclosed protective and safe locations.”She praised team members for participating in ongoing professional development and said they are “receiving training in the area of identifying and working with individuals affected by gang affiliation”.She added: “The High Risk Intervention Team, under the umbrella of Bermuda Youth Counselling Services, is currently in the process of reviewing and revising service provision to meet the national standards for accreditation.”