Half-term activities across Merseyside to tackle antisocial behaviour
29.10.24 - Merseyside
Young people across Merseyside will be able to enjoy safe, fun and supervised Halloween and Bonfire Night activities in a bid to reduce risk of antisocial behaviour.
Organisations in the region have been encouraged to bid for funding to run activities will help young people avoid becoming involved with behaviour that could become antisocial or criminal.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Merseyside Police gave funding as part of their ongoing commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour.
Merseyside Police gave £10,000 to be shared between various projects and the PCC and Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership invested £500,000 in 30 youth projects as part of their Youth Empowerment Scheme, which was created to prevent spikes in violence and antisocial behaviour by engaging and supporting young people.
These run through the year, with a focus on key periods when antisocial behaviour increases -in the autumn half-term school holidays. The fund is being used to deliver projects reaching up to 12,000 young people, helping them to gain new skills, increase their confidence and resilience and fill their time with memorable experiences over the school holidays.
From youth workers going out to in hotspot areas to mental health courses and leadership training, the grants are being used to reach and support at-risk young people, build their trust, and help to steer them away from behaviour which could be harmful or dangerous.
Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The autumn school holidays are a fun and exciting time for many, but sadly some of our communities often see a rise in antisocial behaviour around Halloween and Bonfire Night.
“We’re focused on doing everything we can to stop peoples’ lives being made a misery because of antisocial and criminal behaviour. We made it a requirement for the (grant) winning organisations to provide activities and projects during this period to help keep young people safe and out of trouble.
“From spooky trails to Halloween parties, fancy dress sports events and fireworks, these creative projects are all designed to ensure as many young people as possible enjoy the festivities safely, while ensuring the fun does not get out of hand.
“This gives them a positive way to spend the holidays, while ensuring police and emergency services are able to provide a service to those in need and improving the quality of life for everyone in our communities.”
Sergeant Jenny Williams, part of Merseyside Police’s Community Engagement Unit said: “Merseyside Police’s Community Engagement Unit were able to secure a small amount of funding to support diversionary activities over the Operation Banger period."
"When we put the word out to say we were looking for projects to support, we were immediately inundated with all of these fantastic offerings by charities and grass-roots organisations all wanting to put on really good things for the young people of Merseyside.
“Due to the volume of applications, unfortunately we were not able to support all but we have been able to support a number of great organisations who will be holding events that lots of kids can get involved with– things like Halloween discos and sports events, things that appeal to a broad age range.
“It doesn’t just benefit the kids, it benefits the whole community. When there’s lots for kids to do, the research says antisocial behaviour goes down. So hopefully this year will see lots of happy, engaged kids, and not a lot of antisocial behaviour.
“I’d really encourage parents and carers to have a look and see what’s on near them.”
Merseyside Police has successfully funded, in part and in full, diversionary activities across the Halloween and bonfire period for several years. The force has reported a significant decline in instances of antisocial behaviour on key nights in previous years, and hopes to maintain its momentum of progress in the area.