Six organisations which tackle anti-social behaviour have been awarded a share of almost £13,000 from Cumbria’s crime commissioner.
The cash has come from the property fund, which sees money confiscated from criminals and placed back into communities to help reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.
Crime commissioner Peter McCall said: “It is vital that we support early intervention programmes aimed at reducing the risk of young people becoming dependent on drugs and alcohol, thereby leaving themselves vulnerable to being targeted by county lines gangs.”
The organisations were:
- Aspatria Dreamscheme Drugs/Alcohol Youth Prevention £2,208
- Cockermouth RUFC Youth Diversionary Activities £2,500
- Eden District Scout Council Youth Diversionary Activities £1,000
- Northbank FC, Carlisle Youth Diversionary Activities £2,500
- South Whitehaven Youth Partnership Healthy Relationships and Drugs £2,186
- The Lookout Community Hub , Carlisle IT equipment £2,500
He added: “It is great that we are able to support youth groups such as those developed at the South Whitehaven Youth Partnership, that help to deliver awareness workshops with young people, outside the school setting.
“Less formal sessions, delivered by experienced community youth workers, that promote awareness around topics such as the risks and dangers of drugs, alcohol and unhealthy relationships are often more hard hitting, memorable and provide safe spaces where young people are more likely to open up.
“However, not all young people enjoy a youth club environment, and some choose to hang around local haunts, behave antisocially and put themselves at risk of making serious mistakes and committing crime.
“Which is why we have recently awarded funding to support an outreach programme with Aspatria Dreamscheme, that will enable two youth workers to build relationships and provide emotional support to young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in dangerous behaviour.”
Linda Hunter, youth and community development manager at Aspatria Dreamscheme, said: “Sadly, for many individuals, either born into low income families or into families experiencing other complex social issues or circumstances, the ability to succeed and realise their dreams are diminished.
“This project is part of our vision Living Life Together where we work with both individuals and groups of people, who reside within Aspatria or one of the small surrounding communities, to ensure that everyone can realise their potential, whatever that maybe.”
Jacqueline Cardy, of South Whitehaven Youth Partnership, added: “We deliver informal workshops focusing on risk taking behaviour and issues faced by young people.
“The funding will help to purchase drug awareness and sexual health resources that will provide visual prompts alongside our workshop sessions.”
People are invited to apply for up to £2,500 from the fund to help support projects that engage in community initiatives and interventions to reduce crime.
The deadline for applications is September 10 at 5pm.
