PRESS RELEASE

A new report published by Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, calls on the Government to urgently invest in youth services, if serious about levelling up.

The research, conducted as part of the Commissioner’s preventing crime strategy, highlights how local youth provisions are at breaking point and one youth worker said they know of young people who have never even heard of a youth club saying “they just don’t know what one is”.

This statement, along with other findings, reveal the true toll budget cuts and the Coronavirus pandemic have had on youth services.

In fact, 71% of the youth organisations surveyed have seen their funding cut or reduced since 2011. Overall there has been a 75% decrease in local authority spending on youth services in Northumbria since 2011. This means funding has been slashed by £31.5 million pounds, with Northumberland being the hardest hit. One organisation cited suffering a “100 per cent cut to funding in 2014”.

The report, which pulls together the views of almost 100 North East youth work organisations, has prompted the Commissioner to call on the government for an urgent rescue strategy, to save the youth sector and young people from losing their way.

It features a series of key recommendations on how Government, local authorities and PCCs can come together to support future generations. These include:

1. The Government should appoint a minister who has a portfolio focussed on youth services.
2. Youth services should be backed with urgent Government investment in the next Comprehensive Spending Review.
3. The Government should devolve the funding and powers needed to create localised youth strategies in collaboration with young people themselves.

People working with young people have shared their thoughts on topics such as funding cuts, staffing levels and concerns for future generations.

Findings include:

• 82% of respondents believe safe locations for young people to gather and meet would help prevent those involved from falling into a life of crime.
• 77% stated that there needs to be an increase in youth services in their local area.
• 63% said that more employment and skill development opportunities were required to prevent youth criminality.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “These findings spell out very clearly how young people struggle to find support throughout the North. We have charities giving their all, putting everything into making young people’s lives better but some are having to fundraise for every penny that comes in. They need real help.”

One organisation said: “Youth services are at breaking point. There is not enough money to support the essential services never mind the more specialised help some young people need.” While another worryingly revealed “Finances are tight and we will soon be at a point where we need to start an exit strategy, if no additional funding is found by October 21”.

As organisations emerge from the pandemic restrictions, there is concern about the increased vulnerabilities and needs of young people too, and the impact on youth services. 68% of respondents stated that it is very likely that referrals and service demand will increase to support the additional vulnerability amongst young people. Feedback from one organisation was that although they “tried to deliver remotely that didn’t attract those most in need”. Another reported that “200-300 young people did not return to projects that they previously attended” and they are now conducting an exercise to find out where they are.

Kim continued: “The aftermath of the pandemic is a crucial time for us to be getting things right – we can’t afford to let young people down so we all need to come together on this.

“Resources have never been so scarce. It’s time for some serious levelling up for young people in the North not only in our towns and cities but in our rural areas. It starts with funding youth services, funding youth workers and making young people and their futures at the top of the agenda. If we invest in young people, we are investing in the future and the whole criminal justice system can reap the benefits of this. Research has shown a growing link between cuts to youth services and the country’s knife crime epidemic and we’ll need to work together to turn this around. If we improve lives we prevent crime.”

Clare Williams, Regional Secretary at Unison said “The work undertaken by PCC Kim McGuinness shows the reality behind the rhetoric of the Government which talks about levelling up when actually our young people across communities in our region have no access to youth services.  This is because the Government has for the last 10 years cut local funding year on year.  Unison has been calling on the Government to listen to the evidence and to provide adequate funding.”

A separate report by the Audit Commission into the benefits of sport and leisure activities in preventing anti-social behaviour by young people estimates that a young person in the criminal justice system costs the taxpayer over £200,000 by the age of 16. But one who is given support to stay out costs less than £50,000.

To read the findings in full and the recommendations set out by the PCC please visit:

Voices from the Frontline – A report into the future of youth services

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness has backed a new scheme to prevent crime which will see dedicated employment support handed to those trying to turn their back on criminality.

The Commissioner’s flagship preventing crime project will see newly released prisoners supported back into full time employment to reduce reoffending across Northumbria.

Employment upon an individual’s release is one of the biggest contributors in reducing re-offending as it provides them with much needed stability and keeps them from returning to familiar paths of criminality.

The scheme was set up as Government data shows nearly half of prison leavers re-offend. Newcastle based The Recruitment Junction, will work alongside the PCC’s Violence Reduction Unit, with an aim to provide support for up to 150 individuals in the first year with the expectation that 50% will secure employment in that period.

Securing employment upon release is not only crucial to reducing reoffending, but also to reducing the £15 billion cost of reoffending that falls to taxpayers.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuiness said: “I made a commitment to reduce reoffending, and this is exactly what my Violence Reduction Unit and The Recruitment Junction are doing. Providing newly released prisoners with support into full time employment not only benefits the individual but their family, community and the wider public, with the aim of preventing crime in our region.”

The Recruitment Junction work with an individual to support them in anything from writing a CV, to preparing a disclosure note, sourcing clothes for an interview and helping with transport – all of which are vital to the process of securing employment.

The Recruitment Junction have supported over 70 ex-offenders into employment in the past 12 months in industries such as construction, hospitality and administration.

Ms McGuinness added: “This is a local solution to a much bigger problem and the success of The Recruitment Junction’s employment support so far speaks volumes in reducing re-offending. We will continue to work locally to provide support for individuals to enable them to make positive decisions for the future.”

Director of The Recruitment Junction, Beverley Brooks said: “I am excited to have launched the North East’s first recruitment agency for people with convictions – and am thrilled to count 70 men and women moved into paid work since October 2020 – and to see 90% keeping these jobs and thriving.”

She added: “The Recruitment Junction sees people with convictions rediscover a sense of purpose through work and become role models who drive positive generational impact across their families – breaking the cycle of children following parents down the wrong path. We deliver on skills shortages for employers across the North East, we combat persistent regional unemployment and we contribute to a national reduction in re-offending, with fewer victims of crime.”

For more information please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

ENDS

Young people in police custody are set to benefit from a new support intervention to help prevent further crime, thanks to funding secured by PCC Kim McGuinness’ Violence Reduction Unit.

A ‘teachable moment’ is a point at which an individual will be more accepting to the offer of support. Therefore, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit are working in partnership with Northumbria Police, Edge North East and Family Gateway to reach young people through this innovative intervention.

The service aims to intervene and prevent young people from becoming further involved in serious violence by treating the point a young person comes into custody as a teachable moment.

The funding, secured from the Home Office Serious Violence Interventions Fund, will enable support workers to approach young people in police custody with a primary focus on 10-17 year olds; building trusting relationships and providing ongoing support in the community.

The support offered beyond custody will focus on what is important to the young person including developing positive improvements in; key emotional, physical, and vulnerable behaviours that will support a sustainable move away from serious violence and exploitation.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “By delivering teachable moments interventions to young people at risk or involved in serious violence, we have the potential to prevent them from heading down future paths of criminality. Through the work of my Violence Reduction Unit, young people will be able to benefit from this support as we aim to reduce serious violence, repeat offending and vulnerability in our region. It is vitally important that we continue to educate and support our young people to enable them to make positive decisions for the future.”

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable, Neil Hutchison said: “We are committed to working with partners to look at longer-term solutions to reducing crime, ensuring we make the most of opportunities to prevent future offending and to protect vulnerable individuals and communities. Where appropriate, we would always seek alternative means of addressing offending by young people rather than arresting and bringing them into custody. However, where this is necessary, custody is a key ‘teachable moment’ and the inclusion of support to young people from this intervention will complement some of the existing work already under way with partners.”

Edge North East Managing Director, Collette Devlin-Smith said: “Edge North East are excited to be part of this innovative project that will provide much needed intervention at that crucial teachable moment with young people. We look forward to working with all partners involved in this project to make a difference to young people’s lives and their families’ lives.”

Family Gateway Chief Executive Officer, Julie Marriott said: “Family Gateway are proud to be working with young people and their families at a critical point in their lives, a point where a Teachable Moment may provide a gateway to different choices leading to a brighter future.  We look forward to working with our partners, young people and their families within this innovative and exciting project.”

For more information on the ‘teachable moments’ intervention, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

ENDS

PRESS RELEASE

POLICE Treatment Centre’s deserve Government cash and should not have to rely entirely on subscriptions from officers, fundraising activities and donations says Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.

The Commissioner made her comments following a visit to see how the facilities at the Police Treatment Centre (PTC) in Harrogate help officers from police forces – including Northumbria Police – recover from injuries and improve their wellbeing.

The PTC is a registered charity which provides treatment and support, including intensive, police-specific, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, for injured and ill police officers and staff as well as those who have retired from service. In recent years there has also been increased demand for psychological wellbeing and this is a real growth area for the centres.

The charity’s mission is to reduce the impact of harm on police and their families – something the Commissioner believes the Government should be investing in.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Our police risk an awful lot to keep our communities safe. They’re often the first responders to serious incidents, dealing with death, distress and aggression. They have to see and hear things that other members of the public would simply not be able to cope with. Surely it’s only right that that the Government should reciprocate this and help fund vital support like PTCs?”

She continued: “If ever there was a wake-up call for Government on how we need to do more for our police surely the last year has been it. Through-out Covid we would hear about protecting the protectors and I think that protection starts here. It’s common sense. Supported, happy, healthy cops are better at serving the public and I’ve seen first-hand just how the Police Treatment Centres can turn people’s lives around, get officers back on the beat and keep them there – that’s a win all round.”

The Commissioner, wrote to the Home Secretary last year calling for the centres to be considered for funding but she says no financial support has been granted and she feels the pleas are falling on deaf ears. She said: “In the past, Government has praised the centres with warm words but they have yet to put their money where their mouth is. And on top of current pay freeze news, it’s yet further insult to injury – of course our police deserve better than this.

“Funding this kind of support should be a must in the next budget. We’ve had years of austerity where our police forces have taken hit after hit, particularly here in Northumbria, and not just in terms of numbers but occupational health units have been stripped down everywhere. There have been some bad decisions from the top and it’s about time the Government gave something back by supporting the care and rehabilitation of our hardworking police officers. Officers and staff are technically paying to access this valuable support from their own pockets – this really doesn’t sit right with me and says a lot about Government priorities.”

Young people will have an exciting opportunity to bid for projects and activities as Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness launches the Local Youth Fund.

With £18,000 available and up to £500 per project, young people can bid for activities that matter to them with the aim of preventing crime by reducing serious violence and vulnerability in their area.

The PCC’s Violence Reduction Unit are working with North East Youth Alliance, to ensure young people across the region are aware of this fantastic opportunity as well as establishing a youth panel to review applications and provide their recommendations throughout the process.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “We want young people to tell us what they want in their area and through the work of my Violence reduction Unit we can provide the opportunity to bring their projects to life with the Local Youth Fund.”

The Local Youth Fund will open on Monday 16^th August and welcomes applications from young people across the North East, supported by a registered youth organisation.

Ms McGuinness added: “It is vitally important that we engage our regions young people now to prevent them from heading down the wrong path and to ensure they have the right support and opportunities to make positive decisions for the future.”

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to working collaboratively with the Violence Reduction Unit to ensure that Young People are involved in the development of this exciting new fund. The fund will enable Young People to develop their own local projects that make a real difference in their communities.”

Those who would like to take part can download the application form on the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioners website. Applications must be submitted by Friday 10^th September and successful applicants will be contacted.

For more information on the Local Youth Fund, please contact the Violence Reduction Unit by email VRU@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.

ENDS

North East transport chiefs have united with Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness in a new bid to make public transport safer.
Based on the findings of her recent survey, the Commissioner has come together with local authority leaders and transport operators to draw up a range of solutions to address the fears and concerns shared by local people. These include a new reporting app to transform the reporting process, body-worn cameras for transport staff, Street Pastor-style safety volunteers on patrol across the Metro network and extra CCTV linked to control rooms.

This round of the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund focuses on violence against women and girls and putting practical measures in place to make them feel safer in public spaces. It was launched in March as a response to the death of Sarah Everard in London.

Findings of the survey in Northumbria showed that people feel most safe in their neighbourhood during the day, and least safe in their nearest park, which was the same at night. Overall responses for Northumbria revealed that during the day time, 47 per cent felt ‘safe or very safe’ on public transport, compared to only 14 per cent at night.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “We’ve come up with a range of measures that we believe rethink public safety. People have told us what would make them feel so much safer and we want to make these things possible.”
She continued: “There are various parts to the strategy. We want to give the reporting of ASB a complete overhaul and make it so much easier for local people to get the help they need when they need it. We also want to implement practical solutions like help points and improve lighting. We want to support all this with educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote the support services that people can turn to.
“I’ve sent the findings of the survey in my bid with a very clear message that Government must back these concerns with funds that allow us to do something about them. We are still one of the safest regions, thankfully, but we’re clearly not safe enough and things need to change. We’re bringing real solutions to the table that will make our region safer for everyone. All we need now is the green light for Government funding for our region.”

The bid is backed by Cllr Martin Gannon Gateshead Council leader and chair of the region’s joint transport committee, Metro-operator Nexus and the North East bus operators’ network.
Cllr Gannon said: “We wholeheartedly support the solutions put forward by the Northumbria Police Commissioner to make public transport safer in the region. We recently set out a roadmap in the 2021 North East Transport Plan to build on the infrastructure in place to achieve a safer and more attractive transport network, which reflects many of the findings from the recent survey.
“It is vital that people feel safe on our streets so that there is higher take up of walking and cycling, which are the greenest and healthiest forms of travel, as well as public transport use in the region. This is why we’re hopeful for a positive response to the public safety bid.”

Chief Operating Officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “We have worked in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner to build this bid. It is vital customers feel safe on public transport at all times and we look forward to working with Kim McGuinness and our police force on this important project.
“Crime rates on the Tyne and Wear Metro are low for a network of its size, but we will never stop working to build customer confidence and deal with anti-social behaviour.
“Nexus has already invested in new CCTV and body worn cameras, and we are committed to increasing the visibility of customer support staff on to the network later this year. The Safer Streets funding bid will really help us to build on this work and we fully support it.”

The £400,000 public safety bid has been submitted to Government and the outcome is expected to be confirmed in early autumn.