Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Rani Mahal enjoyed The Super Mario Bros movie when she dropped into ‘Sunday Morning Movies’ to see how this People Zone-funded project is reducing demand on public services and boosting community spirit.
Screenings take place every 1st Sunday of the month at the Charles Booth Centre, in Thringstone, alongside other family friendly activities. Two sessions alone have attracted 68 people, proving the project’s merit.
There are three People Zones in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, each one aiming to create a healthier, safer and more secure community, with residents working alongside local services to strengthen community unity.
Rani Mahal said: “With no local cinema or youth service provision in the area, this project has been met with real pleasure by so many people. All the films are family-friendly, so children and young people of all ages can attend alongside adults. There are also other activities – and of course popcorn - for young people to enjoy, so the attraction is unlikely to wane.
“But there is a serious side to this. We need to help communities to help themselves, to integrate with each other, to support each other. We need to deter young people from getting involved with crime, and we need to make it fun. Otherwise everyone will continue to do exactly what they have always done, and that can cause problems.
“We are keeping a keen watch on the outcomes from all the activities we support in each People Zone. We need to know they are providing value for money and improving the quality of life in the communities that need it most. Having seen the response to the Movie project I believe it will make a real difference.”
Business Manager for the Centre, Beata Buczynska, said: “We are seeing different people attending, with about 25-30 at each screening.
“The feedback from the community is very positive and kids loved it. Few parents did mention the costs of going out to the cinema with the whole family or even the cost of buying movies on one of the TV platforms.”
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Rani Mahal talks about the project - https://youtu.be/KpumiQNbT4k
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Photo Shows (L-R): Beata Buczynska (Business Manager) and Deputy PCC, Rani Mahal
Background information
The People Zone project has provided £4,673.29 to fund the project, which opened its doors on the 3rd of September.
In September alone, the project’s first session had 33 people attend to watch the film and take part in multiple family friendly activities.
A full project evaluation will be conducted in twelve months’ time.
The People Zone was set up, and is supported, by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews. The aim is to encourage young people and their families to interact and support each other in collaboration with local public services.
Community participation is a key factor in preventing crime, increasing safety and deterring anti-social behaviour. It is a similar approach to that of the Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit, where a longer term, more sustainable solution is sought to overcome crime and disorder.
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Sallie Blair
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Posted on Tuesday 21st November 2023