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Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has awarded almost £90K to projects taking place over the summer holidays that deter young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Grants of up to £3,000 were made available to support organisations delivering these programmes, including those in Preston, South Ribble and Chorley.
Funding was approved for 36 projects across Lancashire, providing free, safe, positive activities for thousands of young people. Helping them to gain new skills, increase their confidence and create memorable experiences.
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Commissioner Grunshaw said: “I’m really pleased with the high quality of applications that we received in such a short space of time, which goes to show the great work happening across our communities to deter crime and positively engage vulnerable people. It also shows how much investment is needed in our young people.”
The fund is using money seized from offenders and reinvesting it back into the community. Sessions range from arts and crafts, to sports, forest schools, drama and mentoring.
He continued: “School holidays can be a challenge, with little for young people to do, and subsequently can often be the time when they are at risk of getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing the difference that these projects make. As Commissioner, making Lancashire a safer place to live is my primary aim. This can only be achieved by getting upstream and having strong leadership, a strong police force, and strong deterrents.”
Projects include:
Operation Prosper in Chorley, at Westway sports hub. Offering coaching sessions ran by PNE, with all staff having undertaken outreach work. The sessions will run at peak ASB (anti social behaviour) times. Beginning July 23rd and will run for 6 weeks.
Summer Adlington Youth Group in Chorley for ages 12+. This project will deliver Friday evening sessions at Fairview Youth and Community Centre, providing activities led by a sports coach and indoor activities to engage young people and offer continuity and support. Beginning on July 19th, running for 6 weeks.
Divert From Danger, in Preston, focuses on reducing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in and around empty buildings in the town centre. The multi-agency project will target young people and raise awareness of the inherent dangers of entering these sites. Beginning July 24th for 6 weeks.
Preston North End Kicks, this project will build on the existing support and relationship PNE have with beneficiaries and stakeholders. The sessions will run for 2 hours on the football pitch at Bamber Bridge Sports Hub, beginning August 2nd for 5 weeks.
Preston Pirates BMX Club will deliver a 7-week cycle training programme, starting July 19th, based at Fishwick recreational ground. This programme will engage with young people aged between 11 and 18.
The Pathway to Progress project offers an introduction to the construction industry, a variety of fun and engaging construction related sessions that will raise the young person’s awareness of the construction industry and the variety of roles the industry has to offer. Beginning August 12th and running for 3 weeks at Preston Vocational Center.
Children & Young People’s Summer Activities by SafeNet will provide a variety of craft activities, groups, and days out for the young people using their Domestic Abuse refuge service. They will tailor activities according to the need of the individual. Taking place across Lancashire, beginning July 22nd and running for 6 weeks.
Summer club, held at Tanterton Village Centre, will aim to engage with local young people aged 6-11 years through a variety of sports, drama, arts and crafts. Beginning from July 22nd for 20 days.
Foxton Summer Detached Work, held at The Foxton Centre, will deliver 2 nights per week of outreach and detached work in the Frenchwood and Avenham areas. They will also open their youth centre to offer outreach services such as food, support and safeguarding spaces where needed. Beginning July 22nd for 6 weeks.
CNOS Youth Summer in South Ribble, informal sessions with a range of activities, including creative, physical, and entertainment opportunities. The sessions will act as a safe space for young people to engage with the service and will take place twice a week starting from July 22nd, for 5 weeks.
Creative futures in West Lancashire, for 5-7 and 13+. Weekly sessions of art therapy, teaching artistic expression as an alternative to using crimes as a release. Beginning July 22nd and will run for 6 weeks.
Stable Lives Holiday Days taking place in West Lancashire will deliver 3 fun and supportive days for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, focusing on those who are facing financial, social, or behavioural challenges as well as those involved in or at risk of being involved in crime / ASB. Beginning July 25th and running for 6 weeks.
For the full list of summer clubs being funded, visit the police and crime commissioner site.
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