PCC funding puts wind in sails of seafront programme

A youth engagement programme aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour on Portsmouth and Southsea’s seafront is set to make an even greater impact, thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Donna Jones has awarded almost £15,000 to Portsmouth Mediation Service (PMS) to pay for two outreach workers to work with young people throughout the summer holidays and expand the work of the Waterfront Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP).

Working under the banner “Together We Are Stronger”, the partnership of local agencies and community stakeholders will also use the funds to host the WRAP Community Day this weekend at Camber Dock (Sat 21 June, 12-4pm).

The outreach workers will offer young people a chance to take part in activities and access positive role models. They include supporting young people who have been involved in ASB to take part in open sea voyages, life-changing experiences that build confidence, teamwork, values and a sense of direction for the future.

Donna Jones said: “Southsea seafront is a wonderful place to enjoy all year round, but it can be a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the summer. Each year young people head to the seafront, Hotwalls and Camber Dock, and while the majority of young people don’t cause any problems, historically some large groups display anti-social and intimidating behaviour resulting in calls to the police.

“Portsmouth Mediation Service has continued to build and develop a successful outreach and engagement programme with young people alongside Operation Nautical, a dedicated policing response to ASB in hotspot areas from police officers in Portsmouth.

“The WRAP programme is a great example of a coordinated, multi-agency response to this issue. The outreach workers will provide another layer of connection to young people in the area, while events like the WRAP Community Day offer fun ways for families and young people to engage safely and positively.

“I want all our communities to enjoy the summer, including young people and their families, while feeling safe and not disturbed or distressed by the behaviour of others.”

Portsmouth Mediation Service, a founding partner of WRAP, works with multiple agencies and stakeholders including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, The Kings Harbour Master, Portsmouth International Port, Portsmouth City Council, Hotwalls Studios, local residents and businesses including Wightlink and The Camber Building. Youth organisations including Motiv8, Urbond, Pompey in the Community, Andrew Simpson Centre and the Tall Ships Trust are also closely involved.

The WRAP Community Fun Day is being held at Camber Dock in Old Portsmouth this Saturday (June 21) which includes a variety of activities such as youth sailing taster sessions, a 72ft Ocean Racing Challenger in dock for families to explore, police and fire displays as well as Portsmouth youth organisations.

Through initiatives like WRAP, Portsmouth is showing that communities can work together to ensure the waterfront remains a safe and vibrant place for everyone.