Earlier this year, the Commissioner announced funding for an outreach programme delivered by Youth Zones across Lancashire. Funded over two years using money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, the project will deliver around 300 outreach sessions each year, helping young people build confidence and resilience while reducing anti-social behaviour and strengthening communities.

Young people identified through outreach sessions are encouraged to access their local Youth Zone, where they can benefit from safe spaces, trusted adult relationships and structured activities.

The visit took place as part of the Home Office Safer Town Centres initiative, which runs from the end of October until the end of November. The initiative supports a range of activity designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres while ensuring young people can access positive opportunities and the guidance they need to succeed.

Following the visit, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:

“It was a pleasure to join the team from The Vault Youth Zone and see first-hand the fantastic work they are doing to support young people in Preston.

“Youth workers play a vital role in building trusted relationships with young people, helping them access support, develop confidence and make positive choices. By engaging with young people where they are and connecting them with opportunities through their local Youth Zone, this project is helping to address issues before they escalate and make a real difference in their lives.

“Preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour remain key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. That’s why I am committed to investing money recovered from criminals into initiatives like this, which support young people, strengthen communities and help create safer town centres for everyone.”

Olivia Logan, Youth Worker at Vault comments, “Outreach work is about building relationships and trust with young people, meeting them where they feel comfortable and taking the time to understand the challenges they may be facing. Not every young person feels ready to walk through the doors of Vault, so taking our work out into the community allows us to start conversations, offer support without judgement and show young people that there are trusted adults they can turn to.

“It was great to welcome the Police and Crime Commissioner to join us and show him first-hand the work our outreach team does across Preston. It was a valuable opportunity to talk about the challenges facing local young people and highlight how important it is to invest in early intervention and positive relationships.”