news-28102024-120730

Young people in Merseyside are set to have a safe and fun Halloween and Bonfire Night thanks to supervised activities aimed at reducing antisocial behavior. The region has allocated funding for organizations to run projects that will help young individuals steer clear of criminal or harmful behavior.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, along with Merseyside Police, have provided financial support to various youth projects in an effort to engage and empower young people. The funding, totaling £500,000, is part of the Youth Empowerment Scheme which aims to prevent spikes in violence and antisocial behavior by offering skills development, confidence-building, and engaging activities to up to 12,000 young individuals.

From spooky trails to Halloween parties and sports events, these projects are designed to provide a positive and safe outlet for young people during the autumn school holidays. By keeping them occupied with fun and enriching activities, the hope is to reduce instances of antisocial behavior and criminal activities during this festive season.

Merseyside Police’s Community Engagement Unit has been impressed by the overwhelming response from charities and grassroots organizations offering to host events for young people. While they were unable to support all applicants, a number of organizations have received funding to organize events like Halloween discos and sports activities that cater to a wide age range.

The focus on providing diversionary activities during Halloween and bonfire season has shown positive results in the past, with a decrease in antisocial behavior incidents reported on key nights. The goal is to continue this trend by offering engaging activities for young individuals and promoting a sense of community involvement.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore the various activities available in their area and engage their children in positive and enjoyable experiences. By offering a range of options for young people to participate in, the hope is to create a festive and safe environment while also reducing antisocial behavior in the community.

Overall, the efforts to combat antisocial behavior during the spooky season are a collaborative endeavor involving law enforcement, community organizations, and individuals invested in the well-being of young people. Through engaging activities and positive reinforcement, the aim is to create a vibrant and safe environment for all members of the community to enjoy.