Successful scheme to reduce antisocial behaviour

Groundwork North Northants has been delivering informal education sessions on the streets of Finedon and Irchester after the council identified a need for work to be done in the areas. It began running the twice-weekly sessions in the spring and will update councillors on the many successes of the scheme at the meeting.

Groundwork's youth workers have built positive relationships with the young people and have been discussing issues that affect them. Work on directing the young people towards diversionary activities, including informal education workshops on the streets around issues such as sexual health, antisocial behaviour, and alcohol misuse is also ongoing.

Since the project started, Groundwork has interacted with 75 young people, with 30 of those having regular contact with the youth workers. The youth workers make sure that the young people get involved in decision making so that they feel part of their community. Twenty-five young people were involved in a Finedon housing needs survey, six were involved in the county's Interpersonal Violence strategy, and 65 participated in youth consultation for presentation to councillors. One young person has been trained in delivering youth engagement training for the police, and two more secured Future Job Fund employment with Groundwork.

Councillor Malcolm Waters, chairman of the council's community committee said: "We are really pleased with the success of the Groundwork scheme. The youth workers talk to the young people, build relationships with them, and address the issues that affect them and their communities. It helps the young people become part of the solution, rather than the problem. Groundwork is nationally recognised for its different, and above all successful, methods of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour."

Rebecca Dowman, youth development officer for Groundwork will be attending the community committee meeting on 22 November to give councillors an update on the work carried out so far.