Project aimed at empowering young girls in Fleetwood recognised at Police awards

The day after White Ribbon Day (Tuesday 25th November 2025), when people around the world stand up against the many and varied types of violence and abuse that women and girls face, Lancashire Constabulary held its 7th annual Problem-Solving Awards at the Park Hall Hotel in Chorley, showcasing the best examples of forward-thinking policing across the County.

Over 23 applications were made from Police Officers and staff across the force, and the Empower Her project won the Neighbourhood Policing and Safer Neighbourhoods category.
Empower Her, which is led by PCSO Lizzy Bradley, and funded by the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network (VRN), part of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, is a pioneering initiative tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Fleetwood through early intervention, education and community collaboration.

The weekly Girls Hub, which has been running since September 2024, provides a safe, inclusive space for girls aged 9 to 16 to build confidence, resilience and trust in the police by taking part in activities such as self-confidence workshops, personal training and talks from women in leadership.

With over 55 sessions delivered and a 76 per cent retention rate, the project has empowered nearly 100 girls and fostered strong multi-agency partnerships.
Feedback from those involved highlights increased self-esteem, awareness around domestic abuse and improved trust in the police.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: “Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority in the Police and Crime Plan. By investing in targeted projects across Lancashire, we empower local organisations, build public trust, and create safer communities. I will continue working with the Constabulary, partners, and community groups to ensure Lancashire is safe for all.”

PCSO Lizzy Bradley said: “I am fiercely passionate about the Empower Her project and the girls who attend. Being a teenage girl is hard and having worries in your personal life can make things even harder so, working alongside partners, I wanted to create a safe space for girls to come and just be themselves.

“It isn’t just about teaching young girls important skills and lessons, it is about them feeling like they are able to be open and share with us any concerns they feel they can’t tell anyone else.”

The overall winner of the Problem Solving Awards was Inspector Steve Scott and his team for their project to tackle the illegal use of e-bikes, off-road bikes and motorcycle-enabled crime across Lancashire.

In 2024, the county experienced a sharp rise in serious anti-social behaviour linked to their use, including six fatal collisions and a growing number of serious injuries.
Community feedback through Lancashire Talking and calls for service highlighted e-bikes as a major concern. The project focused on education, diversion and enforcement operations.

As a result, over 1,000 machines have been seized, public concerns have significantly reduced and there have been no fatal collisions involving e-machines in Lancashire this year.