Plans are underway for the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Space summer programme 2025, which last year saw over 8,600 young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent taking part in a range of fun activities.
The programme, for children aged 8 to 17, brings together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to provide positive activities for young people during the school holidays.
Funded by Proceeds of Crime funding with a contribution by Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, Space aims to help increase young people’s skills, improve their health and wellbeing and create opportunities, while also aiming to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB).
During summer 2024:
- 8,653 young people took part in the Space programme
- 2,451 activities were provided including archery, axe throwing, studio sessions at HitMix radio, leisure centre passes, fishing and more
- 26,645 attendances were made in total, equating to 53,072 hours of engagement
As well as activities that are open for all to enjoy, Space also funds targeted activities for children who are vulnerable or live in an area subject to high levels of ASB.
Since being relaunched, Space has gone from strength to strength, contributing to an 81% reduction in youth ASB during the summer period since 2016. 1,395 reports of youth-related ASB were recorded during the school summer holidays in 2016 compared to 248 in 2024.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Work is well underway for this year’s Space programme, which promises an even greater range of activities for young people to get stuck into over the summer, meeting new friends and trying something new.
“The programme simply wouldn’t be possible without all the partners who come together to facilitate the Space activities, which also help to reduce anti-social behaviour and make a positive difference in our communities.
“Last year’s programme was a huge success, and I look forward to seeing just as many young people enjoying Space next summer.”
Find out more about the Space programme and download the full 2024 evaluation report.
