A church in Burton-on-Trent who work with young people have received a boost after being awarded a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s People Power Fund.
Riverside Church set up the Axis Project to provide opportunities to engage youngsters who may not have access to youth clubs or other facilities.
As part of the project, trained youth workers visit the areas that young people congregate, in order to engage them in conversation, a game or other activity. This is done with the aim of building mentorship style relationships and positively influencing their personal, social and emotional development.
During school holidays the project offers a range of sports to be played in a fenced enclosure such as football.
Riverside Church were awarded £3,000 to support the Axis project.
Mr Ellis said:
‘The best ideas to reduce crime, social harm and anti-social behaviour often come from communities affected by those issues. That’s why, since 2013 I’ve increased the funding provided for simple things that make local areas safer and better to live in.
‘At the heart of developing the Commissioner’s People Power Fund and Proceeds of Crime Fund was listening to those who are closest to the problem and supporting their ideas with funding to try and fix things. I’m continuing this because the principle has been so successful over the last few years.
‘Tackling the issues, building community spirit and often reducing repeat demand on policing means providing that financial help at the most local level is really cost effective.
‘The Riverside Church Axis project engages with vulnerable young people in Burton-on-Trent and that is so essential. I am pleased to hear about, and see first-hand, the work they are doing in helping youngsters make the right choices in life.’
Ruth Myers, project co-ordinator, added:
‘We go out to the different areas of Burton each week, to talk to young people in the area and occasionally we hold a larger event involving the football cages.
‘We couldn’t have done any of this project without the funding we have received.’
