The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, has launched a pilot youth programme in Rushmoor this summer in a bid to engage with young people and drive down anti-social behaviour.
The programme is being funded by the PCC for six months from the ASB Taskforce fund, following an increasing level of violence and weapon enabled offences in the Farnborough and Aldershot areas. This funding will allow for two new youth workers to be trained and deployed to hotspot areas, so as to engage with young people who are presenting a danger to themselves and to others.
The youth workers, who will be out for three hours in the evening twice a week, will then provide feedback to the local authority and the police on emerging trends and concerns, as well as onward referrals. It’s anticipated the initiative will start in late July or early August.
Commenting, the PCC Donna Jones said:
“Anti-social behaviour blights our communities and residents and businesses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have consistently told me ASB makes them feel unsafe. I’m really pleased to be supporting Rushmoor so they can engage, educate and encourage young people to receive the right advice and support that they need.
“Tackling anti-social behaviour is one of the top priorities in my Police and Crime Plan so I’m working to not only address ASB with immediate action, such as this funding for Rushmoor, but to also work with all partners including councils, landowners, schools and parents to focus on the long-term systemic ASB issues.”
It’s hoped the pilot can be used as a springboard to gather information and inform Rushmoor Borough Council on the exact needs for wider youth provision work.
Cllr Maurice Sheehan, Portfolio Holder for Place Protection at Rushmoor Borough Council, added:
“Aldershot and Farnborough have long been lacking in any detached youth work provision so we are delighted with the grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner. This funding will allow us to engage young people in the borough and provide advice and support if required, as well as signposting to other services.”
Leo Docherty MP said:
"This pro-active approach from our police and PCC will help to ensure that more young people receive the support they need. The deployment of additional outreach workers here in Rushmoor is a preventative measure intended to address issues early on, so as to help to keep our young people and communities safe."
Pictured, Leo with Donna Jones and Cllr David Clifford, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council