Over 8,500 young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent took part in fun activities this Summer thanks to the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Space Programme.
The programme, for children aged between 8 and 17, brings together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to provide activities for young people during the school holidays.
It is funded by Proceeds of Crime funding with a contribution by Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, and 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).
This year, 8,536 young people attended 2,451 activities, with a total attendance of 26,645 and 53,072 hours of engagement.
As well as activities that are open for all to enjoy, the Space Programme 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: “It’s been great to see so many young people get stuck into Space events once again this year.
“The programme provides an opportunity for children to meet new friends and try something new during the summer holidays.
“A huge thanks to all partners that come together to facilitate the Space activities which help to reduce anti-social behaviour and make a positive difference in our communities.
“I look forward to hearing more of the feedback from everyone who attended or supported this year’s programme, and I hope to see just as many young people enjoying Space next Summer!”
Activities in the Staffordshire Space Programme for 2024 included archery, axe throwing, studio sessions at HitMix radio, leisure centre passes, fishing and more.
The programme received positive feedback from young people, their parents, guardians or carers and activity providers:
“It was great to get out the house and get involved with all the activities every day.”
“Engaging initiative offering free classes for families that might not be able to access them on their own.”
“The structured and supportive environment of the teen scheme had a positive impact on Child A’s mental health and behaviour. The routine and predictability helped her feel safe, while the encouragement from peers and volunteers allowed her to push her boundaries in a way that felt manageable. This, combined with the physical activities, provided her with an outlet for energy and emotion, leading to a noticeable reduction in challenging behaviours.”
“It was a godsend for us as we could not afford to go on holiday the children love the activities with Bal and his team.”
“We had our busiest intake and attendance since starting Space ten years ago. We had over 2100 young people attend.”
“I just want to say thank you for everything you have done for X over the 6 weeks holidays. He has had such a fantastic time and has come right out his shell.”
