Project Proposal: Community Plaza – Safe Spaces Initiative
Project Idea: Community Plaza proposes a targeted intervention to address the increasing knife crime and anti-social behaviour in the B8, B9, and B10 areas—communities facing some of the highest crime rates in the region. By collaborating with the Police Violence Reduction Unit, Crimestoppers, and trusted local organisations, this project will deliver a structured program of educational workshops, mentoring, work experience, and leisure-based activities every Friday and Saturday between 6pm and 2am for 3 months.
This timing is strategic, based on data indicating that youth crime and anti-social incidents peak during weekend nights. The project aligns with displacement theory—redirecting at-risk youth from high-crime environments to safe, constructive settings.
Why This Project Should Be Funded:
Evidence-Based Timing: Evening and weekend hours are peak crime windows. Our project directly targets this critical period to reduce incidents through preventative engagement.
Partnership-Driven: By working with the Violence Reduction Unit, Crimestoppers, and community groups, we ensure holistic support and trust within the community.
Youth Empowerment: Providing mentorship and work experience empowers young people, boosts aspirations, and reduces their vulnerability to gang involvement.
Community Safety: A visible, positive presence on the streets during high-risk hours will not only reduce crime but also rebuild community confidence.
Proven Strategy: Displacement theory suggests that crime can be reduced by shifting opportunities and environments. By offering attractive alternatives during key hours, we decrease the likelihood of youth turning to crime.
This initiative is not just a crime-reduction strategy—it’s an investment in young people, local safety, and long-term community resilience.
Funding will be used to staff the provision but we have a bespoke facility so no costs required for facility hire or project related equipment.