Cash boost for activities to reduce youth crime

Staff and volunteers at the Stubbin Estate Community Centre in Firth Park have introduced activities for youngsters on Tuesday and Friday evenings in a bid to cut youth crime.

The 10,000 came from the Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP) – a Government scheme to ensure young people have safe places to go and interesting things to do.

Development worker Sylvana Mansell said: "I spend a lot of time in the community meeting young people and identifying those who would benefit from the services on offer.

"This extra funding has helped us to keep even more young people off the streets and in a safe environment, where they can learn new skills, and discuss issues which really matter to them."

Patrick Meleady, of the council's Youth Support Service, said the Sheffield Council allocation to youth schemes at Stubbin Estate Community Centre had been well used.

"The staff work extremely hard to provide constructive activities and support services to those who need it most. The additional evening activities have really helped make a difference to the lives of young people and benefited the community as a whole."

Chief Superintendent Andy Barrs, of South Yorkshire Police, added: "The facilities at Stubbin Estate Community Centre have been instrumental in reducing anti-social behaviour in the area by providing young people with positive activities on Friday and Saturday nights."

Around 40 young people attend a street dance workshop, delivered by Activity Sheffield, every Friday. The facilities are open to all young people in the area.

Samantha Ward, 16, a regular visitor who became a volunteer, said: "It's brilliant to have somewhere safe to go where you can chill out with your friends and learn new skills. We really enjoy the extra activities."