PCC John Campion, West Mercia Police and Worcestershire County Council are working together to address the root causes of crime and improve lives for Worcestershire communities.
The Safer Worcestershire project will see a total of £2 million invested in communities across the county over a two-year period. The key areas of focus will be around:
- Substance misuse care – preventing drug users from becoming involved in/committing further criminality
- School and youth programmes – focused on physical activity, mental health and crime prevention
- Drug prevention – delivery of drug and alcohol misuse messages into schools, youth projects and further education
- Older adults – delivery of community support programmes focused on personal safety and healthy lifestyles
The funding will support a number of projects, that address the areas of focus, including some that are already underway across Worcestershire, such as a programme aimed at supporting offenders who have served time in prison for drug use and associated criminality.
PCC John Campion said: “I am pleased to be working in partnership with the council and police to deliver a number of projects aimed at preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and the associated harm on the most vulnerable in society.
“Following the success of a similar partnership project in Telford & Wrekin, I am confident that the Safer Worcestershire project will deliver improvements to the lives of many living in Worcestershire.”
Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing added: “The Safer Worcestershire project is a great opportunity for Public Health and the Police and Crime Commissioner to work together to deliver on our shared goals to keep people safe and well in Worcestershire.”
Superintendent Mel Paley, the North Worcestershire LPA Commander, commented: “We welcome and support this collaborative approach and investment to address the root causes of some of the issues that can cause harm in and impact the communities we protect and serve here in Worcestershire.
“Tackling these matters early on can help us to prevent problems that may otherwise lead to future criminality with some individuals and minimise risks to the health and safety of the wider public.”
