Space 2018 is almost ready to go – as the finishing touches are put to the launch of this summer’s programme.
Weeks away from opening our doors to the biggest and best Space yet, this year’s scheme will involve more youngsters with a lowering of the age band for certain activities.
Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis introduced the Space programme to bring together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to help nurture, support and guide Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent youngsters.
This year some activities will be available for children as young as eight-years-old, with Mr Ellis having provided a substantial increase in funding for the programme.
Wherever you’re from in the county, there will be something locally to keep your children occupied during the school holidays.
Many of the service providers visited Staffordshire Police headquarters given a final briefing before Space 2018 opens its doors.
Police officers, PCSOs, local support teams, activity organisers will hear from Mr Ellis, who continues his enthusiastic support of the scheme.
Space attracted more than 18000 attendees across the summer holidays in 2017 – an increase of 5669 from the previous 12 months.
Mr Ellis said: ‘Not long to wait now until Space 2018 begins – it should be a very exciting year for us all.
‘And this year’s scheme promises to be our biggest yet. We’ve had huge numbers attending in the past and hope for even more this year.
‘Space is all about fun, learning and growing in confidence. Staffordshire, like many areas, experiences higher rates of ASB during summer holidays than at other times and I’m keen that efforts are made to tackle this.
‘Space 2018 will continue with its aim of increasing skills, improving health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities to make communities safer.’
