The Our Time project is delivering five, twelve-week cohorts for a minimum of 50 young people in different school settings, and includes workshops aimed at improving resilience and emotional wellbeing, safety planning in the event of Domestic Abuse, and understanding Domestic Abuse and emotional wellbeing.
The project is working alongside Lancashire Police, Fylde Borough Council, Blackpool Council’s Public Protection Team, and Nest Lancashire, and is using Operation Encompass to identify young people in need of support.
The fund, established in 2021 at the launch of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, uses cash seized by criminals through the Proceeds of Crime act to fund community projects that help tackle his five key priorities.
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
“Domestic abuse is a serious issue and one that affects far too many people in our communities, which is why tackling it is a key priority in my Fighting Crime Plan. Supporting projects like this that engage with those who have been affected in some way by it is important and supports the work being done by Lancashire Constabulary to arrest offenders and support victims.
“I could see the positive impact that the sessions are having and I valued the time spent with the young people involved. It was also good to see how both the staff from AFC Fylde and the school themselves are supporting them to ensure they get the most value from the project and ensure it makes a lasting difference.
“This is exactly what my Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund was set up to do, invest cash seized from criminals back into the community they once exploited, addressing the root causes of crime and supporting those who have been impacted by it.”
Wesley Partington, Director at AFC Fylde Community Foundation said:
“Our Time is another excellent example of how the Foundation is working alongside local partners, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire Police, to address local needs. A key aim of the Foundation is to create safer and stronger communities and by supporting children and young people that are at risk of or have been subject to domestic violence further demonstrates this.”
