A JUNIOR football club, a community centre and a youth group are just some of the grass root initiatives celebrating news this week that they will receive a share of a £350,000 pot of cash – recovered from criminals in the North East.

The funding initiative, called Operation Payback, was set up by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness. Its aim is simple – to put money recovered from drug dealers and other criminals back where it belongs – into the heart of local communities.

Many local projects and community groups that strive to improve lives in their area are set to receive a welcome cash boost to help keep making a positive difference in their neighbourhood often repairing the harm caused by crime.

A total of 24 groups are set to benefit from Payback including South Shields FC, Dunston Community Centre and YMCA Northumberland.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “There are some terrific groups who’ve taken it upon themselves to really turn things around in the area where they live. They’ve taken responsibility and they’re making a huge difference. I absolutely want to support them in doing this so we’re turning bad money into good. I want Payback to empower them further and bring their bright ideas to life.”

“A lot of successful bids centred on giving something for young people to get involved with in their spare time, heling prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. You see, local people are the ones who recognise and understand the issues that matter locally. They know how to solve them so we need to listen and help them put their ideas into action.”

Kim added: “I want every young person growing up in our region to have an equal chance of success whatever their circumstances and Payback will help them and their families to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

“These groups do a great deal to make communities safer, prevent crime and reduce re-offending. I can’t think of a better way to reinvest cash from crime than to help steer young people onto a better future.”

YMCA Northumberland will be using their funding to deliver a diversionary youth programme and help prevent young people becoming involved in anti-social behaviour in Ashington.

South Shields FC Foundation will work with the Police and Youth Justice Service to run a project for young people at risk of offending or re-offending.

Steve Camm, manager at the Foundation, said: “This is a really exciting project and we can’t wait to get started. We are grateful for the Police and Crime Commissioner’s support which will enable us to further extend the impact the Club already has in the local community”.

“We’ll be working closely with the Police and Youth Justice Service to identify and engage young people at risk and provide them with positive preventative activities, including football and boxing, with the aim of reducing crime and the impact of crime in our community.”

Dunston Community Centre will be supporting young adults who have been excluded from school, expelled or served community sentences, helping them to become mentors and encourage others to take responsibility for their actions.

Brenda Clelland from the community centre, said: “This funding will help us to really tackle the youth-related anti-social behaviour and petty crime which plagues our neighbourhood by directly addressing the underlying issues, helping the young people to make positive changes and choices which benefit, not damage, our local community.”

In the years to come the fund will be topped up with some of the money seized from criminal activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), with some recovered funds also going to Northumbria Police to help them target more criminals.

For more information about Operation Payback and to view the full list of beneficiaries visit here.

ENDS

BACK TO WORK: Many local organisations are training up Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions ahead of the nation’s return to work – thanks to a virtual roll-out of a scheme from PCC Kim McGuinness’s office

Hopes for lockdown easing and vaccine breakthroughs are leading bosses across the region to start making plans for when the time comes for staff to return to the office. 

Supporting staff with their physical and mental well-being has been high on the priority list for many businesses during lockdown, and based on the rise in reported cases of DA many are now increasing their focus on domestic abuse and are using a reinvigorated scheme run by the Office of the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, to help.

During the pandemic, many frontline and specialist domestic abuse services experienced a rise in demand as stay at home orders trapped survivors in the house, with their abuser.

As of Friday 19^th February, the scheme, which raises awareness of domestic abuse and guides people towards specialist services, has switched to digital delivery. So far, 140 people have signed up, and the course is now fully subscribed until the end of May, with further dates to be scheduled.

Previously the scheme has engaged with more than 300 businesses from throughout the North East, and trained up more than 1,500 champions.

To ensure the training reaches as many people as possible, the office has partnered with the Better Health at Work Award, coordinated by the Northern TUC, to offer the specialist training to the hundreds of employers who are committed to the health and wellbeing of their workforce, including making domestic abuse their business. Companies who have had representatives take part in the online training so far come from a range of sectors including childcare, engineering and across the public sector.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Really, what we have seen is a pandemic within a pandemic and we have to respond to this. It’s imperative that as many people as possible are clued up when it comes to supporting someone suffering domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse is very much a hidden crime and lockdowns provide an even more conducive environment to perpetrate these crimes and less opportunity to escape them, so it’s more important than ever that we have this scheme up and running.

“Employers have a duty and responsibility to provide staff with a safe working environment and we know that for some staff the workplace can be the only safe haven from domestic abuse and violence. The impending return of people to work could, for some, be a really crucial moment to get out and get free of their abuser. People working from home can also be in a position to help; perhaps overhearing something being said in the background on a call or being a confidant.”

Beth Farhat, Northern TUC Regional Secretary said: “The rise of Domestic Abuse is a hugely worrying trend so reversing this has to be a priority and the reinvigoration and adaptation of this training and associated networks, communication and support channels is a really significant and practical way to help do that.  

“Workplace health and wellbeing has never been more important and despite the immense challenges of the last year we have seen a wealth of fantastic and proactive practise through our Better Health at Work Award employers. Their overwhelming response to, and participation in, this training is fantastic and indicative of the importance they place on safeguarding their workers’ health, safety and wellbeing. 

“I firmly hope that the training and overarching DA scheme will make a positive impact in organisations, for individuals and ultimately, on the number of victims – if it helps one person, then it has made all the difference.”

KIM McGUINNESS: BOXING CLUBS ARE VITAL FOR IMPROVING LIVES TO PREVENT CRIME – THE GOVERNMENT MUST STEP UP AND SUPPORT THEM

Boxing clubs and the vital youth support they offer will suffer after being excluded from the Governments £300 million Sports Winter Survival Package, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

While other sports received shares of the Governments flagship £300m sports support package announced in November, boxing was excluded – leading to calls from a number of star boxers for the Government to ensure organisations and youth programmes can continue post-pandemic.

Now, in Northumbria, boxing clubs, fire fighters and the PCC have joined together to call on the government to do more.

Locally, through the Police Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit, a number of boxing clubs receive funds to deliver youth diversion and mentoring programmes, providing a safe space and alternative option to those who may otherwise engage in negative behaviours.

The Police Commissioner has now written to the sports minister calling for action.

Kim McGuinness said: “I have seen first-hand how boxing can give young people a structure to their lives, whilst engaging in a positive activity that develops them both physically and mentally.

“Through funding provided by my VRU we have local boxing clubs working with young people – diverting them away from criminality and an unfavourable lifestyle.”

One of the funded organisations, Jobes Boxing & Fitness Gym, which is based in the West End of Newcastle, claims young people who would usually be attending the gym have reverted back to criminal behaviour as a result of the closure and lack of engagement.

Matt Jobes, head coach at the club, said: “The gym shields young people from the temptations and dangers of the street and gangs, without them really even being aware.  It’s a true tragedy that Boxing Gyms have had to close and not be able to offer our services to the young people.”

While professional and elite boxers can continue to train in local gyms, recreational sessions and those targeted at supporting vulnerable young people have been put on hold.

Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service, who also run boxing intervention programmes delivered by their own serving firefighters, have also seen the benefits the sport can bring – reducing ASB and nuisance complaints, whilst improving relationships between young people and their staff.

Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As a Service we are proud of the work already undertaken in our boxing hubs supporting the young people of our area, and have experienced positive engagement. This has been assisted greatly by the funding received from the Commissioner.

We believe that through these activities, young people can enhance, not just their physical health but also their mental wellbeing. Our highly trained coaches teach respect, discipline and self-belief which then builds confidence and improves life skills, which is why funding for such community initiatives is so important.”

The closure has seen coaches, as well as young people, impacted according to Grainger Park Boxing Club, another recipient of funding from the VRU.

The club added, “A number of our coaches have also struggled with their mental health and wellbeing. Two have referred themselves back to their GP for support and had to access specialist services.

The Commissioner has written to Nigel Huddleston, Sports Minister, as well as backing the call from Labour MP, Chris Evans, who chairs the All Parliamentary Group on Boxing.

The police precept will increase by 4.99%, which equates to 57 pence a month for a Band D property for residents in the North East and will help fund 60 new detectives with fighting crime, says Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuiness.

The decision was agreed at an online meeting of the Northumbria Police and Crime Panel on Tuesday, where members unanimously supported the increase.

It follows weeks of public consultation where Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness asked local people to share their views on a range of options for the police precept – the force’s share of local council tax bills.

The consultation asked households how much they would be prepared to pay to support the work of police in our area.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I’ve not signed off this increase lightly. I don’t want to be in a position where I am asking people to pay more, however small, but our police have suffered years of continuous underfunding and I want to do everything I can to put things right.

“We have to have a force that is well resourced if we are to take on the criminals who are out there causing misery and suffering to others. I want our force to be able to do even more to fight crime and prevent crime – this will help cover that.

“In fact, what the extra money translates to is more officers – which is exactly what people want to see. This will include 60 new detectives supporting our neighbourhood policing and going down hard on serious organised crime. I surveyed local residents to help form my plan for the next 4 years and they were more than clear that these were top priorities.

She added: “The extra money isn’t all about the here and now either. With crime it’s crucial that we keep ahead of the game and focus on preventing it from happening in the years ahead. We have to future proof our force. This will be particularly crucial as we deal with the aftermath of the pandemic.

“This small increase will help towards keeping our region safe and there has been overwhelming support for that, so now Northumbria Police need to deliver on the people’s priorities that are set out in my Police and Crime Plan.”

A new four year strategy committing Northumbria Police to preventing and fighting crime is ready to be signed off by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness. The plan makes official the public’s policing priorities, including boosting officer numbers and tackling serious organised crime.

More than 5,900 residents across the North East responded to surveys, online discussions, and by phone, to tell Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, what good policing looks like to them and their local communities. Nearly every person surveyed, whether living in urban, rural or coastal areas, placed great importance on neighbourhood policing, and backed plans for visible policing in their area.

The plan includes a commitment to tackling serious and organised crime, with a promise to hire 60 new detectives as part of this; a commitment to working with councils, housing providers and others to build on ASB task forces used during the Covid pandemic; targeted efforts to keep young people out of gangs as part of a Violence Reduction Unit, and a promise to publish upfront regular crime data showing the public how their force is responding to their needs.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Our region has come together to create this plan at what is a crucial time for policing. We are all learning to live with and recover from a pandemic which has placed immense strain on people including our hardworking officers, staff and volunteers. It’s vital we don’t stop fighting crime because of Covid.

“This is a plan setting about what the people of our region want – families, businesses and organisations – and I represent their voices. They’ve all shared their needs and expectations from their police and the force will now deliver on them, and I’ll work to ensure the force has the resources it needs, from putting officers on the streets to disrupting serious and organised crime at every level.

“We know that times of hardship, recession and uncertainty can lead some into crime. We need to be doing all we can to prevent this and my Violence Reduction Unit will continue playing a key role supporting our police with this work – it’s about keeping ahead of the game.”

Kim added: “Thankfully, the North East is one of the safest places to live in the country and we are lucky to have a force that listens well, responds to views and ideas and puts them into action. I will do everything within my power to give the force the resources it needs to fight crime and keep you safe and I look forward to working closely with the Chief Constable to bring about some really positive change for our region.

“We’ll be hiring more police officers and supporting youth services to help your neighbourhood and keep our streets safe. I know that building our force back up is what local people want to see. After a decade of cuts people want to have a strong police force fit for the future, serving communities and supporting victims well. So that’s what this plan sets out to achieve and part of my job will be ensuring I keep you updated with the progress we make.”

The 6 key priorities, identified following the public consultation are:

FIGHTING CRIME

1. Tackling anti-social behaviour
2. Reducing crime

PREVENTING CRIME

3. Preventing violent crime
4. Neighbourhood policing

IMPROVING LIVES

5. Supporting Victims
6. Tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence

To mark the launch, the Police and Crime Commissioner will be joined by Chief Constable Winton Keenen for a live Facebook event – an opportunity for local residents to put their questions to the region’s top policing figures about the new set of priorities and how the force will deliver on them. To submit a question or to join the event follow Northumbria PCC’s Facebook page (@KiMcGuinness) for more information.

The Police and Crime Plan will be available to download at www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk after it is discussed by the Police and Crime Panel on Tuesday 2^nd February.

Statement from LA7 leaders

100,000 deaths signals a grim milestone in the fight against Covid-19

“Every single one of us has suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the sacrifices we make are done so in an attempt to save as many lives as possible so to see the death toll pass 100,000 loved ones is a sobering reminder as to how deadly this virus is.

“Every life lost brings sadness and grief to that person’s family and friends, and that so many have died over the past 12 months is incredibly tough to take.

“Our own communities in the North East have experienced this grief and as we mourn for those who have lost their lives, we must try and take solace in the fact that countless more have been saved as a result of the efforts made by everyone in our region.

“While we await widespread protection through vaccines, which will still take some months to achieve, we must all continue doing what we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our wider communities.

“Stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary, maintain your distance from others at all times, keep washing your hands and wearing a face covering where required unless exempt.

“Infection rates remain high, especially with the more transmissible variant of the virus accounting for a significant number of cases, and there can be no room for complacency.

“One area we are continuing to see outbreaks is in workplaces and of course anyone who can work from home should do so. But if you do have to leave home for work, we would ask that employers and their staff make every possible effort to operate in a Covid-secure manner, which includes following the Hands, Face, Space guidance in breakout areas and not mixing bubbles in travel to and from work.

“There is still a long way to go in the fight against this virus, with lessons to be learned and questions to be answered. Quick solutions are needed for our schoolchildren still learning home, and our businesses need support to survive this period of inactivity.

“The pandemic has caused so much pain already and we must do what we can to minimise further loss of life. Please, stay at home, follow the Hands, Face, Space guidance, and self-isolate and book a test if you develop symptoms. Thank you.”

Cllr Simon Henig, CBE, Leader, Durham County Council
Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader, Gateshead Council
Cllr Nick Forbes, CBE, Leader, Newcastle City Council
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor, North Tyneside Council
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader, Northumberland County Council
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader, South Tyneside Council
Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader, Sunderland City Council 
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor
Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner