Young people in the Borough of Havant, aged 10 – 17, who are at risk of entering the Youth Justice System, will benefit from £20,000 of funding through a local sports project, thanks to the funding received from the Ministry of Justice.
Havant Borough Council, working in partnership with Pompey in the Community, Motiv8 and the Youth Crime Prevention Team, will deliver football sessions and mentoring to those most at risk of involvement in crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence.
The funding builds on the government’s work to catch and prevent youth offending earlier than ever – helping to prevent young people from becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.
The sports-based mentoring will provide personal development skills, supporting young people to manage conflict whilst giving them the confidence and skills to achieve qualifications.
Councillor Gwen Robinson, Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Lead for Affordable Housing, Communities, and CIL, said: “At Havant Borough Council we see all children as our future. Using experienced coaches and mentors, this project will help guide those children, who are experiencing difficulties, to use their energies in a more constructive way.
"It will go some way to focus the minds and help them think critically about their futures, and the direction they need to take."
The programme is set to begin on Tuesday 17 January and is open to young people through a referral process who:
- are at risk of school exclusion
- already have an involvement with the Police or Youth Justice System
- are from marginalised groups vulnerable to exploitation
- have complex safeguarding issues or needs
- have an association with family/peers who exhibit negative behaviours and/or criminal activity.