Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen continues to support youth services across the area, with a focus on addressing anti-social behaviour and reducing the risk of young people becoming involved in the justice system.
In her latest investment, the County Durham and Darlington PCC provided £3,000 towards a new youth club in the Cockerton area of Darlington, following reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.
The new club, run by the YMCA and match funded by Love Cockerton, is based at Cockerton Methodist Church on Cockerton Green and is aimed at providing young people in Darlington with a safe place to socialise with friends and immerse themselves in games and activities to reduce ASB in the town and protect more residents from becoming victims.
It is part of a collaborative approach that has seen the Commissioner working closely with the force on a series of Problem Orientated Policing (POP) Plans across the force area that key partners together to proactively address issues that concern residents, undermine their confidence and increase their fear of crime.
Previously, the PCC provided a grant worth £11k to YMCA Tees Valley to launch a new youth club at The Haven at Aspen House in Darlington, again to proactively address ASB. The funding was used to launch the new facility and purchase leisure equipment as well as provide 18 weeks of free gym sessions for young people at Paradigm Fitness Darlington.
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “ASB is a serious issue that damages confidence, communities and quality of life. Over the past year, Cockerton has seen a significant rise in youth-related ASB, and enforcement alone is not the answer. We cannot allow these problems to continue and cause further harm.
“This project reflects my prevention-first approach, providing a practical solution in the town centre. By giving young people positive opportunities and activities, we can help steer them away from nuisance behaviour and towards brighter futures.
“Young people need safe places to meet, socialise and try new experiences. Early intervention is vital if we are to stop vulnerable young people from becoming involved in crime in the first place. Alongside this, we are delivering preventative education on a range of issues to help young people make positive choices.
“This youth club is part of a wider investment across the force area, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and become more resilient to crime and ASB, giving them the best chance to succeed.”
Following successful social media marketing, a core group of around 20 young people are attending the youth club each night with numbers expected to grow.
Young people can take part in darts and pool tournaments, PlayStation and Xbox competitions, enjoy movie nights and themed music and food evenings as well as enjoy puzzles and boardgames.
Those already engaged in ASB will be referred to the youth club by police or local councils to prevent behaviour escalating.
Educational sessions focus on several key topics such as online safety, ASB awareness, drug misuse, road safety and the legal consequence of offending.
The long‑term goal is to expand the youth club model to other areas if successful.
Tackling ASB is a key commitment in the PCC’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan, with the Commissioner setting out a series of promises to bring redress to communities and prevent young people from being drawn into crime and ASB. This includes a promise to fund positive, affordable and accessible diversionary activities and working with social care and other partners to target and support those at risk of falling out of education.
