Wakefield MP in New Drive to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh visited a youth charity’s street outreach programme this week to meet young people who will benefit from a Government cash boost to tackle anti-social behaviour.  She also met the new staff who have been employed by the Wakefield Youth Association to reach out to young people in the Wakefield district.  

As well as providing information and advice on issues which affect young people, such as alcohol use and sexual health, the £600 000 government boost will also provide at least 60 youth programmes designed to keep young people away from anti-social behaviour.  Over two years the programme aims to work with at least 1,800 young people.  

Mary Creagh MP said: “I fully support Wakefield Youth Association’s work and I’m looking forward to meeting and talking to the young people who are involved with the project. This summer, I have sent out over 10 000 surveys on anti-social behaviour.  People have told me they are concerned about young people just hanging around the streets.  Projects like this can turn kids away from disorder through good advice and positive activities. I want to find out from young people themselves what they would like to be doing on Friday and Saturday nights.”  

Jo Coles, Director of Business Operations at The Youth Association said: “For a long time young people have been telling our youth workers they want more to do, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks to the Youth Sector Development Fund we can do something about it. We’ve got new teams of Detached Youth Workers in place to deliver activities such as street dance and film making. It’s great news for young people right across the Wakefield District.”