By Isle of Wight Observer
South Wight Area Youth partnership (SWAY) are celebrating after hearing that they had been successful in a bid to the Safer Communities Fund of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
SWAY has been awarded £13,500 to continue their project, working with young people and their families in the South Wight.
Over the last 3 years the charity has been transforming young people lives and making an impact in reducing youth crime and anti-social behaviour in the community. SWAY does this by providing a safe space and opportunities for young people age 6-18 of various abilities, some who experience mental health issues, low self-image and are in danger of exclusion from school; they feel unsupported, isolated and neglected within the current structures
available to them in rural communities.
SWAY aims to help them improve participation, raise their aspirations and foster community spirit. The project also provides pop up youth centres in the villages of Niton and Whittwell, Chale, Shorwell and Brighstone and a young leader’s programme, 1-1 mentoring session, school holiday activities and several residential events throughout the year
Longer term support to vulnerable young people and their families outside of the weekly youth groups is assisted through a youth and families worker supporting those that have been identified or who are asking for support. This worker visits the families to assess the need and to put in place an action plan of support that could include making referrals and supporting them to access other agencies. SWAY has seen early intervention support help
victims of crime or make youngsters think twice before re-offending.
Andy Dorning, Lead Youth Worker said ‘This grant is great news. It recognises the work SWAY is already doing as well as enabling us to support and help more young people and their families in the rural south Wight. The funds will assist and Increase continuity, provide more guidance and assess families' needs so that we can identify and plan the support needed to address issues and prevent any problems from escalating. The grant will go towards SWAY’s work to reach out to young people in the rural villages at the time when they most need them.’
SWAY works alongside professionals and multiagency networks to receive and initiate referrals. If you would like to learn more, please contact Andy Dorning on 07552236067 or see the website on www.southwightyouth.org
