Focussed Deterrence feedback - Oct 2024
(Bob’s real name has been hidden due to his age - this is from a KCC Adolescent Team worker)
We have been supporting Bob on and off for the past year. In this time, he has made every appointment and engaged in a very positive way. When we first met, I was under the impression that Bob was proud of the reputation he has made in his community, but quickly discovered that wasn’t the case. Bob has been teased and bullied throughout his life due to his condition, but due to him growing up and turning into a tall strong young person he seemed to make lots of friends, of which many of them had bullied him when he was younger! To fit in with his new group of friends he would do whatever they asked him to do which included being asked to beat someone up (the reason had nothing to do with Bob).
I was able to help Bob realise what was happening and how his actions were getting him into trouble with the police. Bob has been out of education for over two years and so had become unmotivated and didn’t see a positive future. Over time and many conversations with Bob, I could see his motivation return and he would start talking about how he see’s his future and what he needs to do to be able to achieve this.
Bob returned to education and, at first, found it difficult due to the time that had passed since being in this type of atmosphere. This has improved and, although Bob still has a way to go, he is staying out of trouble and has stopped socialising with the people he was getting into trouble within. Over the year I have seen Bob grow! I have seen his confidence rise; his behaviour improved and feel that Bob is on track to stay out of trouble and be able to forge a good life for himself.
I enjoyed working with Bob. He has only shown me respect, he has seen me even when he has felt low, or he has been in a bad mood. During our sessions we have been on many beach walks and drives around the countryside. We have taken part in activities together as well as taking my dog on long walks. Both Bob and his family have welcomed me into their lives, and I have always felt that they have kept me informed if Bob has made a mistake."
Thanet Activator Training Oct Half Term
During half term, Sports Connect ran an Activator Level 1 Multi Sport qualification, funded by the VRU and the Kent FA, to a group that had been recognised and invited along to take part as a start of building their future pathways within Sport and coaching.
The group consisted of the following candidates:
x3 students from Sports Connect post 16 ETS provision at Baypoint, as identified by our Head Coach who works with the ETS team there. One of which started their journey at the Community session in Newington, their plan is to now start volunteering with the Community session on a Monday evening and build up their coaching experience.
- x2 students who were identified in the Summer Thanet Games and signed up to help develop their qualifications and potential future pathway in coaching.
- x1 previous work experience student who is based in Ashford but keen to develop their coaching skills and potential employment opportunities with Sports Connect.
- x4 local students who have previously engaged within Sports Connect events/word of mouth.
- x6 local Kent Police team members who are keen to support more engagement opportunities for sport activities in the community. 5 members were from Canterbury district and 1 from Thanet. This will grow the relationship between local police teams and help to break down barriers between them and members of their community through sport.
The training was delivered at the Northdown Family hub and we were joined from a visit from the Mayor of Margate, Jack Packman, who came along to meet the group and see the opportunities we are continuing to build in and around the area. He talked about how important this work is and how it helps positive engagement opportunities within the community and linking with the police team helps to reduce barriers.
Next steps
The Baypoint students can now use the knowledge to support others on their course when they do the activator training later in the year and can start building their coaching experiences.
Others on the course have been told about local community opportunities that they can come along to, support and participate in. They can build their experiences and when old enough ,apply for potential assistant coaching roles.
NEW SAFE SPACE SCHEME RUNNING IN DOVER DISTRICT
Oct 2024
NEW SAFE SPACE SCHEME!
Young people and adults feeling unsafe or vulnerable can now seek refuge in ‘safe spaces’ in the district. Participating organisations, including shops, a library and community hub, have displayed a Safe Space sticker in their window and will provide a welcoming, safe environment for those who need it. This may be someone who feels scared, unwell, lost or unsafe, or has been a victim of crime when walking to or from school, for example.
The countywide scheme is being led by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Dover District Council (DDC) is rolling it out locally. So far, a number of organisations have signed up to the scheme, including the Co-op stores in Deal, Sandwich and Aylesham, the Beehive in Dover, Deal Library and Linwood Family Hub in Deal. DDC is encouraging other premises to get on board and become part of the district’s Safe Spaces network.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “It’s encouraging to see shop owners and organisations getting involved in the Safe Spaces scheme. “People can feel safe in the knowledge they have somewhere to go if they are feeling scared, worried or unsafe while out and about in our towns and villages. “We also want to nurture independence within our young people and having that reassuring presence can really help. “I’d like to thank those venues already on board and hope we see more sign up.”
VRU Co-ordinator Caley Walden said: “The Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit is dedicated to ensuring our communities remain safe spaces for everyone. “By working closely with local councils, police, and community organisations, we aim to prevent violence through early intervention and proactive safety measures.
“Initiatives like the Safe Spaces project are integral to fostering environments where residents feel secure, whether in public spaces or local venues.”
Matt Pratley, Safety and Well-being Manager, Co-op, said: “Co-op is committed to operating at the heart of local life and nothing is more important to us than the safety of our colleagues, member-owners, customers and communities. “Anyone seeking a safe haven in their local Co-op will always be welcomed, encouraged to report their concerns and, above all, believed. “As a convenience retailer, our doors are open from early morning until late into the night, and we want people to know that Co-op is always a welcome light and safe haven for anyone who feels unsafe or in need of support.”
If you own a business and want to offer to help people by being a "SAFE SPACE" visit our website and get in touch.
hashtag SaferTogether
Reachable Moments news - Oct 2024
Stacey, a Reachable Moments Navigator from our VRU project at William Harvey Hospital, teamed up with @WeAreWithYou.
. They attended the Urology conference yesterday at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital @EKHUFT. This was a great chance to promote how the VRU Reachable Moments works in hospitals, how they can help look for signs of exploitation and how they can refer people for support.
This was the first time that the Urology Doctors, Nurses, Consultants and staff (over 100 people) had been given this knowledge and afterwards they were keen to ask for more information in the future too!
The VRU Reachable Moments got exposure to an area of the hospital that they had not previously seen and this have given them the knowledge to help recognise where support might be needed and how to refer people for it.
Although sometimes you might think exploitation is nothing to do with your professional role, having the knowledge to see the signs and know where to point people for support is always knowledge worth knowing 🙂 #SaferTogether