HEAL CIC have received an additional £10,000 from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund to provide targeted diversionary activities for local children and young people who may be at risk of committing anti-social behaviour (ASB), while also helping to build relationships within the community.
The next phase is expected to begin in November and will provide a further six months of activity shaped by what local young people have said they would like to see in their community. Alongside regular activities, the programme will contribute towards the development of a Youth Forum for young people aged 15-18, creating a safe and informal space for vulnerable young people to share their concerns, interests and aspirations.
The funding will also enable HEAL CIC to further strengthen relationships with other local organisations, such as Staffordshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services, and explore additional opportunities to further benefit young people and steer them away from crime.
Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) from across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent were asked to bid into a pot of £100,000 to seek funding for projects and initiatives aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
CSPs are formed of partners including Police, Fire & Rescue, local authorities, health partners and the probation service. They have a statutory duty to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.
HEAL CIC Founder, Nathan Hamilton, said: “From the beginning, our work in Perton has been about listening before delivering. Through ‘The HEAL Approach’, our first objective was to build trusted relationships first and then shape activities around what young people and families tell us they need.
“This next phase will allow us to provide consistent positive activities, to continue building on those foundations to create a genuine space for young people to have their voices heard, and offer early support before concerns develop into greater barriers.
“Most importantly, young people will have an active role in shaping what is available for them in their community.”
South Staffordshire CSP also received an additional £10,000 from the Commissioner which has allowed the following to be put in place:
- A Safer Nights initiative aimed at vulnerable young people involved in anti-social behaviour or at risk of exploitation
- New ANPR cameras in targeted locations in conjunction with an existing South Staffordshire District Council CCTV system
- Working with partners to engage with communities through events and surveys
- Signage warning against the use of off-road bikes and e-scooters
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Supporting young people and providing positive opportunities is one of the most effective ways we can help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
“These sessions delivered by HEAL CIC will provide a safe and welcoming environment where vulnerable young people can build confidence, develop new skills and access support when they need it.
“The Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund enables partners to deliver initiatives that respond to the needs of their communities. I’m pleased to support this targeted work in South Staffordshire and look forward to seeing the positive impact it has for young people and local residents.”
Alongside funding allocated to CSPs, the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund also includes:
•£10,000 awarded to each of the 10 Local Policing Teams in Staffordshire to address priorities set by the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
•£180,000 contribution towards the Staffordshire Space Programme which funds activities for children over the summer holidays.
•£200 towards the cost of Independent Chairs for ASB Case Reviews on request.
• A statutorily required annual Strategic Assessment, supporting a comprehensive understanding of crime and community safety in the local area.
To read more about the Commissioner’s Community Safety fund, visit: Local Community Safety Fund