Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall will be visiting Shackles Off youth groups in Seascale on Friday 28 February at Seascale Methodist Church to see first-hand how the Community Fund has supported their ‘Foundations Project’.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall comments: “I am pleased that we’ve been able to provide funding through the Community Fund to support the Foundations Project and that young people in the Seascale area are receiving awareness workshops on risk taking behaviour.
“Delivering these types of workshops, amongst peer groups in a youth club setting leads to greater participation and involvement from young people, who often feel more comfortable and at ease to ask questions in a voluntary youth club setting, rather than at school.
“The west coast, due to its rural isolation and poor transport links, often has fewer opportunities for young people to access youth clubs, facilities and services. The Shackles Off youth groups at Seascale run activities and workshops that encourage young locals to become more involved in their community and take pride in their local area. As such, they are less likely to become involved in risk-taking behaviour and stronger communities are built as a result.
“In more isolated rural areas such as Seascale, young people can often feel like there is nothing to do. Youth Clubs such as Shackles Off helps those who might be tempted into anti-social and even criminal behaviour, to choose the right course.
“It is so important that our young people get the opportunity to broaden their horizons, explore new skills and develop their own confidence, which helps them to develop and take control of their own future.
“Helping to support projects that engage in community initiatives and interventions to reduce crime is a key priority of mine, and over the last four years we have invested £252,852 in over 43 projects such as the Age UK elder abuse project, Mencap, Bathay Trust, The Well and Carlisle Street Pastors.”
Mandy Taylor, Shackles Off’s project manager comments: ‘We are very grateful to Peter McCall who recognises the importance of projects such as Shackles Off.
“We believe that these type of projects are vital in connecting with young people, preventing antisocial behaviour and to help and support them become responsible young adults.
“The Foundations project is about empowering young people to become ‘the best version of themselves.”
