Children and young people across Dudley enjoyed a range of positive activities during the half-term holidays, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and feel safe during their time away from school.
The programme provided access to safe, positive environments where they could socialise, try something new and build friendships.
Activities included boxing, football, games, arts and crafts and mentoring.
The initiative provided children and young people with positive opportunities during the school holidays, while helping to reduce the risk of them becoming involved in antisocial behaviour, crime and violence. It gave participants the chance to develop their skills, improve their confidence and enjoy new experiences.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said:
“Every child and young person must have the opportunity to enjoy their school holidays, try new things and reach their full potential.
“It is fantastic to see our children and young people benefiting from positive activities in Dudley over half-term.
“Providing these opportunities is about much more than keeping young people occupied. It is about giving them somewhere safe to go, opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence and learn new skills.
“By investing in our children and young people, supporting them at an early age and providing positive alternatives, we can help steer them away from crime and violence and build safer, stronger communities across Dudley.”
The activities formed part of the wider work of the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership to tackle the root causes of serious violence through early intervention, prevention and positive opportunities.
By working with local partners and communities, the programme helped ensure children and young people across Dudley had access to opportunities that could make a lasting difference to their lives.
