Activities For Young People In Chester

Three new projects for young people are set launch in Chester thanks to funding from David Keane, the county’s police and crime commissioner.

Young people from across Chester will have the opportunity to attend a variety of activities funded by police and crime commissioner in a bid to give them something positive to engage in, as lockdown restrictions ease. Following their successful bid to the commissioner, youth workers will deliver a multi-sports activity programme aimed at young adolescents in Blacon. Sessions will take place at the ‘Venny’ on Shelley Road on the 2G pitch and will give young people a safe space to hang out with friends. Sessions will be aimed at 13-16 year olds and will look to divert them away from causing anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the local area. The funding will be used to purchase equipment, create an undercover area and to purchase spot lights.  The lights will ensure that activities can still be provided in the winter months, when the evenings draw in. Over in the Upton and Handbridge Park policing areas, new youth clubs will be established to provide young people with a place to go which is warm, safe and engaging. The United Reformed Church on Heath Road will establish a session aimed at young people in school years 6 and 7.  Sessions will be developed and will look to build confidence and self-esteem, enhance life skills and encourage young people to become engaged citizens. Working alongside their dedicated PCSO, Jenna Tapley, the group will use their grant to purchase sports equipment, Arts and craft supplies and bean bags.  They will also purchase a games console and speakers to ensure there is something for everyone. Similarly, in Handbridge Park, PCSO Cain Jones has supported a bid to develop a safe space for young people aged 12-16 years to come together and enjoy monthly movie and games evenings. The sessions will harness young peoples’ love of computer games and the group will host tournaments and fun games in a bid to reduce ASB.  In the summer months, the session will encourage young people to engage in sporting activities outside using the outdoor facilities. All groups worked alongside their dedicated PCSO to submit their applications and address concerns around ASB- related issues in their communities. The Community Police Fund is a new fund which has been provided to all 122 policing communities in Cheshire. Community police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been working with local residents to develop bids of up-to £1,000 to fund projects which address local issues. The fund has been developed using money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA) 2002. It also links directly to the recently launched initiative to increase police visibility in every community by providing a dedicated Police Constable and PCSO for all 122 areas. PCC David Keane said: “Young people make up such a large part of the population in Cheshire and I feel it’s important we provide them with fun and engaging activities. “Young people often commit anti-social behaviour because they have nothing else to do which is partly a reflection of the underfunding for youth services and diversionary activities “That’s why I’ve made it my priority to make communities safer and provide positive outlets to focus young peoples’ attention and give them the opportunities they deserve. “I am well aware of the benefits sport and activity can bring and these kind of projects are fantastic for ensuring everyone can look after their mental and physical wellbeing in safe and controlled environment.”

Message Sent By: Caroline Tozer (Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, Head of Engagement and Policy, Police and Crime Commissioner).