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24 August, 2016

Police and Crime Commissioner funds summer scheme for kids to tackle anti-social behaviour in York

A £7,000 grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund is supporting a summer activity scheme for children and young people in order to reduce anti-social behaviour.

In its first four weeks, the #Legitsummer drop-in sessions run by the Rock of York charity have attracted more than 140 children.

One of its big attractions is a football cage but other activities include DJing, crafts and games.

The project uses the ‘Urbie’ bus provided by City of York Council which is also contributing funds. It runs activities on anger management, healthy eating, sexual health, substance misuse and decision-making. It sessions operate on a rota basis, targeting areas that have previously suffered from anti-social behaviour in the summer months.

Sessions are held four nights a week and young people are told via social media where to turn up.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from young people and their parents and we’ve been attracting as many as 30 children and young people at any one event,” said organiser Beth Wilcox of the Rock of York.

Running from 7pm until 10pm, the sessions mainly take place in Clifton though some are also held in Heworth, Haxby, Strensall, Osbaldwick and Almery Terrace.

The Community Fund was launched by Commissioner Julia Mulligan in May 2013 and is specifically for organisations and community groups who need money to help fund a new community safety project. Projects eligible for grants from £500 to £20,000 include extra-curricular activities for children and young people as well as schemes supporting victims, preventing crime or anti-social behaviour, promoting safety and community cohesion.

Julia said: “I want to make it as easy as possible for people to apply for this money and to be successful in their applications.

“These drop-in sessions run by the Rock of York are a great example of initiatives that can make such a difference to local communities. They are engaging with children and young people in a positive way, giving them new opportunities and experiences while tackling anti-social behaviour that can happen during the long summer break.”

Community Fund