Staffordshire people are being asked for their views on the Space young people’s activity programme – launched earlier this year – and whether it should be held in the future.
Space was originally an activities scheme led by police in Staffordshire during the 1980’s and 1990’s aimed at engaging with young people.
The Space programme in 2015, reinvented by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, was aimed at increasing skills, improving health and wellbeing, as well as creating opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities.
Space events, which were led by voluntary sector organisations and local councils rather than the police, took place between July 20 and September 4 across Staffordshire. They included dance, music, sport, art and a host of other activities for 11 to 17-year-olds.
Mr Ellis said: “I thinks it’s brilliant that Space saw more than 12,900 attendances by young people across Staffordshire at over 580 activities.
“I want to thank all the organisations that stepped up to do Space in 2015 despite the really short notice. It provided positive activities for young people during the long summer holidays.
“My instincts are it would be worth continuing Space but I’d like to get people’s thoughts.”
Mr Ellis has indicated that one of his upcoming election pledges is delivering an enhanced Space programme in 2016.
Mr Ellis: “People got in touch to ask to volunteer to help Space this year and we want to harness that energy, enthusiasm and passion to make a difference in communities and to young people’s lives.
“Work is underway to see how best we can channel the enthusiasm and interest of those potential volunteers.
“But wouldn’t it be great to get 1,000 people to volunteer for Space, to create something that will grow and help young people and communities?”
People can fill in a feedback form on the Space website page.
Staffordshire people can also indicate on the feedback form if they would like to volunteer to help a future Space.
Mr Ellis believes the programme has been key in forging relationships between young people, police officers and others.
“On the visits I made to Space activities there were some good relationships being built,” he added.
Formal evaluation to understand the practical successes of Space 2015 is due to be released soon. Work is also ongoing to explore funding options for the programme.
