Youth safety sessions funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews in Beaumont Leys are helping to inspire a new generation of community leaders.
Young Leicestershire Ltd received a grant of almost £10k from the Commissioner’s Safety Fund for the Beaumont Leys Youth Zone project based in St Luke’s Parish Church.
The sessions, run by youth workers, are offering young people a diverse programme of activities aimed at supporting them to become active citizens and diverting them from engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Eighteen young people are regularly attending the once weekly sessions which have included workshops on drug and alcohol awareness run by the charity Turning Point and sexual health, delivered by a specialist nurse.
The programme is aimed at arming young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make safer life choices that will protect them from future harm.
Through encouraging young people to increase their participation in community life, youth workers hope to build resilience and promote wider wellbeing and cohesion in their neighbourhoods, while also developing their future leadership skills.
Mr Matthews said: “From the feedback already received, the core group of young people attending have connected very well to the extent that they are now actively promoting the club to the wider community, which is exactly the outcome we are striving for.
“Expanding youth provision is really important to me and I believe it is vital we create more safe spaces in our communities for young people to meet, socialise, and talk to adult role models who can act as a sounding board for their concerns and any issues they might be facing.
“I’m impressed with the take-up so far and look forward to reviewing the impact of this project to learn any lessons or best practice that will help us address young people’s safety in this community and beyond.”
Alison Jolley, Chief Executive of Young Leicestershire Ltd, said: “This project has been successful due to the active commitment of the partners involved, all of whom understand the impact of ASB on communities and how they can be part of the solution.
“We are delighted that they remain dedicated to providing a safe space for young people to participate in activities. Working together we will aim for this much needed Youth Zone to become a permanent provision for local young people.”
The PCC’s funding covers the project until January 2025.
Youth workers originally hosted a launch event on 17th April to attract young people to engage in the sessions.
Ends
Picture Shows (L-R): Commissioner with Deb Bartlett (Senior Youth Worker, Leics City Council) Alison Jolley (CEO, Young Leicestershire), Simon Reville (Centre Manager, Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre), and Rev. Robert Hinsley, Vicar St. Lukes
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Posted on Monday 9th December 2024