Albion2Engage programme recognised
The Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) has received backing from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund for an ongoing project to tackle anti-social behaviour.
BACT has been given £10,000 to fund the Albion2Engage project, which uses the recognisable brand of Burton Albion FC to connect with young people through diversionary activities, such as sports, whilst also providing individual programmes, such as education courses, which are seen as an exit-route from offending.
In partnership with a number of local organisations, including East Staffordshire Local Policing Team and East Staffordshire Borough Council, Albion2Engage targets the five most socially-deprived wards in Burton.
Matthew Ellis has decided that 100 per cent of funding received by Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures should go back to local communities.
The Proceeds of Crime Fund is supporting projects in conjunction with local policing teams and local authorities. It is made up of assets and money seized by police from criminals in Staffordshire under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Staffordshire Police continues to strip criminals of their assets – hitting them where it hurts.
Mr Ellis said: “For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities. Projects like this benefit both the user and the community in a positive way.
“By engaging young people like this it means we can intervene early to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour. Not only is this better for those directly involved, but it’s also the best way to reduce crime and have a positive impact on communities in the long-term.”
Currently, the programme is delivered across five local parks to approximately 30 to 40 young people during periods identified by police as times of high anti-social behaviour, often during the evening.
Andy Taylor, Community Development Manager at BACT, said: “We are delighted to access this funding to build on the work which has previously taken place.
“Albion2Engage has made a real impact in the local area with high numbers of young people now positively engaged across the parks at times when there would have otherwise been high levels of anti-social behaviour.
“Not only has Albion2Engage been able to have the immediate impact of reducing anti-social behaviour by providing other activities for young people to be involved in, the long-term impact is that young people's aspirations are raised, and our work with partners to ensure exit routes are provided into education and employment is resulting in young people now making positive life choices.”
Established in April 2011, Albion2Engage has so far been funded through various short-term funding streams from both local and national bodies. The funding from the PCC will help sustain the project from March 2014.
For more information on Albion2Engage call Andy on 01283 565 938.