A YOUTH drop-in service will gain more than £12,000 in funding thanks to a new pledge from the police and crime commissioner.
Projects across Hampshire have been promised a share of £500,000 in a bid to crack down on antisocial behaviour across the county.
Andover Community Engage has been granted £12,886 for its youth drop-in service, making it the third biggest beneficiary from the new funding.
More than 25 projects are to benefit from Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones' cash injection.
The half a million pound boost is from the PCC’s ASB Fund which has an annual pot of £200,000.
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The commissioner announced the availability of the extra funding in March for local authorities, police, Community Safety Partnerships and community groups to provide partnership solutions to recurring ASB issues.
PCC Jones said: “Antisocial behaviour casts a dangerous shadow over many of our communities. Severely impacting the quality of life for residents, it also threatens livelihoods and negatively imprints on the wider community as a whole.
“These devastating incidents can often be precursors to more serious criminal offences. By providing this additional funding for diversionary activities and projects, this can be addressed and challenged at the outset.”
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue service will benefit from £20,000 to fund early intervention programmes to build resilience in young people and teach them about fire safety and making safer choices.
Fareham will gain £15,000 while £5,000 will go to Rushmoor and Hart.
Joanna Gregory, children and young people delivery manager for the service, said: “Hampshire and Isle Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to playing its part in the reduction of anti-social behaviour and in the reduction of violence within the communities we serve.
"The Commissioner’s ASB grant funding money will directly fund a number of our new Early Intervention programmes.
"These programmes support young people to build their personal resilience, and equip them with the tools and knowledge to stay safe and make safer choices so they can positively impact their local communities.”
HIOWFRS receives funding to run Early Intervention programmes for young people (Image: Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner)
PCC Jones says tackling ASB across the two counties is an absolute priority: “Antisocial behaviour is a scourge upon society and it makes people feel unsafe.
"My job is to listen to people’s concerns and make sure there are effective policing strategies in place for safer streets and safer communities. Since its inception, my ASB Fund has been targeted and effective, and I will make sure it continues on this positive trajectory.”
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