Tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour

When we talk about anti-social behaviour we rightly talk about support for victims and what the police and partners are doing to tackle the issue in our communities.

However, we must remember that those who are most likely to be committing ASB are children and young people. These are vulnerable members of our community and those that are involved in ASB are also at an increased risk of becoming involved in more serious crime. It can set them along a path which will destroy their futures, possibly their lives.

That is why we must start tackling this issue at an early age, and this is why my office has created dedicated funding opportunities for projects which support children and young people.

Case study: County in the Community

County in the Community was established in 2013 when Newport County AFC gained football league status. It is now a registered charity carrying out youth engagement sessions at areas of high need in Newport and has received funding from my office to extend the number of sessions it offers each week.

Young people are engaged through a wide range of sports and activities and are able to access educational and personal development sessions. The project aims to inspire young people to make positive change within their lives and within their community.

The sessions are hugely popular and many of the young people who have engaged with County in the Community have gone to play for local teams and engage with regular coaching sessions with established clubs. This provides discipline and structure, as well as helping them to stay healthy and motivated. They are given the chance to attend Newport County games for free and many have taken part in competitions across the UK.

This work is helping to reduce localised anti-social behaviour in the community, but the long-term benefits of this work must not be underestimated.

By offering children and young people the chance to take part in activities, by giving them a safe space and a safe face in their communities, and by offering them support from adult mentors, we are helping to reinforce good behaviours and positive thinking. We are setting the groundwork that will enable them to have a happy and healthy future.