Space 2020 is getting ready to blast off – with all finishing touches being finalised ahead of the launch of the redesigned summer programme.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis was determined to see Space return with Government Covid-19 safeguards and health and safety procedures in place to ensure the safety of all participants.
Space 2020 will begin on Monday 3 August and span until the end of October half term. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the programme will offer a significantly reduced amount of activities which all adhere to Government advice.
Mr Ellis relaunched the scheme in 2015 to bring together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to help nurture, support and guide Staffordshire’s young people with an additional aim of reducing levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB). It has since gone from strength to strength, with more than 50% reduction in ASB during the summer period since 2016.
In 2019 Space attracted more than 38,000 attendees across the summer holidays – an increase of almost 9,000 from 2018. Due to Covid-19 these figures cannot be competed with but Space 2020 will continue with its aim of increasing skills, improving health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities.
Mr Ellis said ‘Since we brought the Space scheme back in 2015 over 112,000 attendances have been recorded for young people between the ages of 8 and 17.
‘These numbers show how important Space is to young people and families across Staffordshire but due to the Coronavirus pandemic the Space programme will look very different this year. Space 2020 will provide a reduced amount of outdoor activities and run over a different time period to normal with activities beginning in early August and running until the end of October half term.
‘The positive activities that Spaces provides are needed now more than ever before and I’m thankful that my office, activity providers and local authorities have worked incredibly hard to ensure that all procedures are in place in line with Government Covid-19 Guidance.
‘Now is the time to give something back to our young people after what has been an incredibly difficult time for us all. Let’s all stay safe but get out there and have some fun’
Details of activities including how to book and guidance around Covid-19 will be available on the Space website, www.staffordshirespace.uk
- All activities must be pre-booked through the Space website.
- Once a booking is confirmed, all children and young people must apply for a Space 2020 Registration Card, which must be produced at every Space activity attended.
- Children and Young People are only able to attend activities that take place within the local authority area in which they live.
