SNG supports work against anti-social behaviour in Christchurch with new funding
SNG (Sovereign Network Group) with partners at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) along with local schools has won £5,000 in funding from the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner to fight anti-social behaviour in the Somerford area as part of the Op Relentless Community Fund.
Working in partnership with St Joseph’s & Somerford Primary Schools, BCP Council’s anti-social behaviour team, Cllr McCormack, (Grange Ward), SNG locality and anti-social behaviour and community investment officers led on developing the project and funding application.
The funding will cover four specific local initiatives to defeat anti-social behaviour and improve community safety. This will include funds for a community clean-up to remove fly tipped waste and improve the look and feel of the area, including grounds maintenance to remove overgrown crime hot spots.
Community outreach is also a focus of the funding. Specialist outreach services will engage residents, actively listening to safety and anti-social behaviour concerns, shaping further action that embeds positive change, a sense of cohesion and pride in the area.
Youth Outreach will also play a part. Community arts charity Vita Nova will develop a Key Stage two offer to deliver over the 2024/25 academic year. The offer includes a 20-minute theatre performance for St Joseph’s and Somerford Primary Schools, followed by a workshop using drama techniques to engage the audience and generate discussion/debate, drawing on themes that include county lines, cuckooing and addiction.
Information and Awareness are also covered by the funding. Community service providers at BCP Council’s anti-social behaviour team, SNG and Dorset Police will provide information improving anti-social behaviour and crime reporting knowledge and confidence and support available. Housing advice, employment and skills support, debt advice, financial and digital inclusion, energy and food support, mental health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol advice service information will also be shared.
Diane Humphries, SNG’s Community Investment and Partnership Lead for Dorset said: “SNG is far more than just a housing association; we work to create strong and safe communities where residents can thrive and feel a part of. This funding plays an important part in that mission and to making a safer community in Somerford.”
Councillor Simon McCormack, Ward Councillor for Burton and Grange, said: “This is brilliant news for the community in Somerford. The reduction of anti-social behaviour has been a top priority for the partnership, and we hope that this work will send a clear message that anyone involved in criminal activity is not welcome in our community.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “Anti-social behaviour is a plague on our communities that causes residents to feel unsafe in the places they live, and that is not acceptable. Organisations such as SNG do valuable work in combatting ASB locally, and I know the £5,000 awarded is getting put towards projects that will have a direct effect on the community.
“The Operation Relentless Community Fund is now in its fourth round and since I brought it in, it has successfully award £156,000 to 39 projects, contributing towards a range of initiatives from community outreach programmes to CCTV installation.
“Across Dorset there has been a 14% fall in ASB incidences over the past year. Indeed, Littlemoor Youth and Community Services reported an 80% drop in ASB incidents in their area following targeted funding, so I hope similarly strong, positive outcomes can be felt in Somerford going forward as well.
“I urge other organisations working to tackle ASB and support our young people in Dorset, to keep an eye on my website for more information about next rounds of funding.”