Helping young people choose a different path: How Suffolk Positive Futures is transforming lives and building safer communities across Suffolk.
The Catch22 Positive Futures programme helps to make Suffolk a safer place by diverting young people from anti-social behaviour and gang-related activity through the delivery of sports-based community activities. Part-funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner, the programme is helping to prevent future crime while creating brighter futures for some of Suffolk's most vulnerable young people.
The Challenge
Many of the young people Suffolk Positive Futures work with face multiple challenges, including:
- Poor school attendance or risk of exclusion
- Involvement in anti-social behaviour
- Exposure to criminal exploitation
- Mental Health and wellbeing concerns
- Lack of positive activities and trusted adult support
- Living in areas of deprivation
Without intervention, these factors can increase the likelihood of young people becoming involved in offending or becoming victims of crime.
The Positive Futures Approach
Positive Futures deliver sports-based diversionary activities for free within local estates and neighbourhoods. They work alongside schools, police, Suffolk Youth Justice Service, local councils, families and community organisations to:
- Provide access for young people (aged 6 – 19) who have been both formally and informally referred
- Provide valuable health and fitness activities at the right time, in the right places (including school holidays)
- Provide access to positive adult role models and build trusted relationships
- Reduce risky behaviour and encourage participation in positive activities
- Provide opportunities to volunteer
- Work with young people struggling with mainstream education to reengage or achieve a recognised sports leadership qualification.
What people say:
Frank (Volunteer at Street Cricket, Ipswich): “The street cricket sessions run by Positive Futures helped me grow up, so being able to give back and support the younger kids now is something I’m really proud of.”
Jordan (attendee at the 16 – 19 Football Project Lowestoft session): “It was nice to play football within our age group without having to pay fees or join an official club, and I was able to invite friends to the group. I was given lots of support and ideas with work and have now secured a second year at Pleasurewood Hills in a better role.”
PC 1698 Michelle Stimpson: “As a Community Officer covering the St Margaret's and Normanston wards in Lowestoft, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the positive impact of Suffolk Positive Futures and their local sporting projects. I have been so impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and the genuine care demonstrated by all of the coaches. They have a natural ability to engage with young people and bring out the best in them. For some of the children involved, this project may be their only opportunity to take part in organised sporting activities, this is so valuable, not just to the individuals but the wider community.”
Demonstrating impact
Over the last year, Positive Futures has:
- Supported 1,406 young people across the most deprived areas of Suffolk.
- Delivered 654 sessions and 1,180 hours of sporting activity.
- Helped 20 young people work towards recognised qualifications.
- Provided 28 young people with volunteering placements.
Feedback collected showed:
- 92% of young people felt their mental health had improved.
- 94% felt safer in their neighbourhoods as a result of Positive Futures.
- 32% stated they were no longer hanging around on the street
- 24% said they were no longer getting into trouble.
What the PCC says: “I am delighted to support Suffolk Positive Futures through my crime and disorder reduction fund.
I have seen first-hand the positive impact that Suffolk Positive Futures can have on young people. The project offers young people a positive alternative to crime and violence, giving them positive role models and an opportunity to gain qualifications. It is a chance to set them on the right path to be a good citizen and make a positive contribution to Suffolk”
For more information visit the Catch22 Suffolk Positive Futures website.