A Stafford project has been awarded £6,700 from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The Right Stuff Boxing Academy runs the ‘Safer Schools Box Clever’ project with Schools in the Stafford Borough area, aiming to engage young people in positive activities and reduce anti-social behaviour.
The project has provided the opportunity for the young people involved to learn the basics of boxing and take part in the Amateur Boxing Preliminary Award, receiving a medal and certificate upon completion.
As part of the project, the youngsters are learning about anti-social behaviour, the negative impacts of alcohol, drugs and smoking and railway safety as well as muscular and skeletal system and healthy eating.
The Project is also providing mentorship and positive adult role models for the young people involved, and encouraging them to support their local communities.
Mr Ellis said: ‘I am delighted to hear about the great work that is being carried out by Andy and his team at Right Stuff Boxing. The passion the staff have for helping young people take the right paths in life is incredible and I am pleased to support them with funding.
‘I am determined that 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities.’
Right Stuff Project Manager, Andy Whitehall MBE, added: ‘This project has been one of the most satisfying I have been involved in.
‘All of the schools have been really supportive and specialised teaching staff have p supported young people on the project.
‘The early intervention and partnership working is delivering extremely positive outcomes for the young people. I am sure this will resonate throughout their lives.’
Mr Hackett, Assistant Vice-Principle at The Weston Road Academy, added: ‘‘As a school, it has been a privilege to be involved in this project. It has had a huge impact on those involved, improving their resilience and helping them to succeed through adversity.
‘Andy successfully combines Physical exercise and health and with opportunities for pupils to open up and explore their emotional well-being. The pupils also embraced the trip to the gym, and as a result a number of students are now attending independently in the evening.’
As part of his commitment to local communities, Mr Ellis is providing £200k a year in the form of the Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund sees 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police going back into local communities, through grants of between £3,000 and £15,000. It is made up of money seized from criminals as Staffordshire Police continue to robustly strip offenders of their assets – hitting them where it hurts.
The Fund supports projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Smaller grants, of between £100 and £3,000, are also available through the Commissioners People Power Fund.
For more information on funding visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/fund
