Cumbria Police’s Child Centred Policing team have rolled out a countywide, 12-week physical activity initiative for at risk young people. The programme, called One-Up, provides free placement in sport activities. It was created to help break a young person’s cycle of low-level offending and anti-social behaviour by positive engagment.

The roll out follows a series of successful 12-week pilots ran in Carlisle.

The programme was created by two Police Officers, A/DS Scoffham and A/PS Smyth, from the Constabulary’s Child Centred Policing team. The programme was created with the support of PC Mark Christie of Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team, Tim Linford of Morton Manor Community Centre and in consultation with the young people involved.

The results of the pilot were overwhelmingly positive, with three young participants, who came to the attention of the CCPT, positively making changes in their lives and no longer being involved in criminality.

One-Up co-creator, Laura Smyth said, “In the Child Centred Policing team, we speak to young people at risk of harm daily, you’d be surprised with some of the problems they feel they have to deal with alone. Trauma, exploitation, neglect can all manifest into negative behaviours including criminality and anti-social behaviour.

“These young people feel they have nothing to do and that positive opportunities are not for them.

“All young people are vulnerable because of their age and stage of mental development. They are not mini-adults. Everyday there is the potential to positively engage a young person away from crime.

“Knowing that they have a free, safe, positive opportunity to try something new, to learn something and to feel that someone is supporting them can be life changing.

One-Up co-creator, Officer Richard Scoffham added, “This initiative was born out of speaking to young people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour. It was created based on their lived experiences, their perceived barriers that needed to be removed, and what activity would be beneficial for them to engage in.

“Working with Morton Manor Community Centre on the pilot allowed for this initiative to develop and grow into something better than we imagined. Their generous support of time and expertise meant that from an initial idea, we now have results that can be evidenced, allowing for a countywide roll out.

“From this roll out, the support of the sports clubs across the county has been overwhelming and we cannot thank those involved enough. Seeing how the involvement and support from the clubs is improving young people’s lives is just brilliant.”

“Following on from the positive results of the pilot, we are really excited to see the results achieved by young people across the county.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said, “The One-Up scheme, opens doors of opportunity for young people to take part in sports and activities they wouldn’t normally have the chance to try.

“Structured activities with their peer groups, helps to develop self-esteem, self-worth and purpose. The weekly routine and sense of being part of a team, as well as health benefits, can boost confidence and having the care and support of leaders and coaches from established local clubs is invaluable.

“Anything that provides more opportunities, safe places and diversionary activities for young people can only be a good thing.

“The scheme is also a superb opportunity for local clubs and groups to get involved, offer free sessions and give back to their communities.

“I would like to thank all organisations that have offered their expertise, time and free sessions and also encourage as many other clubs and groups as possible, to be involved.”

Morton Manor Community Centre, Senior Coach Mo Galli said, “We are really pleased with the progress so far.  All these young people have received preliminary awards from the High Sherrif.

“Boxing is a great sport, requiring discipline, self-control and a level of fitness. At the Club, we give the young people opportunity to develop these skills. We work with referrals from the Police’s Child Centred Policing Team in addition to young people under the Youth Offending Service. These young people work alongside the other members of the group and carry out the same drills and activities.

“We have also received feedback that the parents are very pleased with progress their children have made and this is really pleasing to all those involved in our planning and delivery. “

Morton Manor Community Centre Manager Tim Linford, said “What started as a series of conversations between concerned people and organisations about anti-social behaviour and the lack of positive diversionary activities has led to the success of the Club so far. We are fortunate that at the Centre, we have usable space, a gym and willing staff wanting to help.

“The awards part of the programme is offered by KSE, an alternative education provider, who are also on site at the Centre.

“Our discussions with Cumbria Police have been excellent and allowed us to take referrals as part of their One Up programme.

“The recent awards presentation evening was very successful and allowed us the opportunity to showcase the achievements of young people and explain a little bit more on what we want to achieve.”

Morton Manor Boxing Club is supported by funding from Cumbria County Council Local Committee, Carlisle City Council, Ward Councillors and Mr McCall, the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The pilot of the One-Up programme has resulted in young people proactively being diverted away from criminality. The roll out of this innovative initiative across the county has the potential to amplify these positive results.

Young people engaged on this programme reported feeling, more confident, more positive about the future, happier, more motivated, healthier, more in control of their emotions, more connected to their community and more supported.

Referrals onto the One-Up scheme need to be requested through the Child Centred Policing teams (Places are limited due to capacity).

NorthCCP@cumbria.police.uk
SouthCCP@cumbria.police.uk
WestCCP@cumbria.police.uk

Cumbria Police would like to thank the following clubs for their generous involvement:

• Morton Manor Community Centre Boxing Gym, Carlisle
• Happy Hooves Riding Stables, Penrith
• Maryport Amateur Boxing Club
• Empire Sports Performance Gym, Salterbeck, Workington.
• Barrow Amateur Boxing Club
• Furness Catholic Boxing Club
• Cumbria Combat Sports, Barrow

If you have a child under the age of 18 who is interested in participating in a sports activity, these clubs provide a range of youth-based activities outside of the One-Up programme. Please contact the clubs directly for information on the activities they have available.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Child Centred Policing Team have a campaign active to promote the free activity opportunities for young people over the summer holidays.

Awareness of anti-social behaviour and the consequences of undertaking such activity are also being promoted.

You can follow the campaign on the Constabulary’s social media accounts.

Facebook: /CumbriaPolice

Twitter: @CumbriaCops

Instagram: @CumbriaCops

You can also follow the constabulary’s local accounts for updates on local policing activity in your area:

Facebook: /AllerdalePolice /BarrowPolice /CarlislePolice /CopelandPolice /EdenPolice /SouthlakesPolice

Twitter: @AllerdalePolice @BarrowPolice @CarlislePolice @CopelandPolice @EdenPolice @SouthlakesPolice