A new community project to divert young people away from criminality and anti-social behaviour has been launched.

Preston Police have worked closely with Community Gateway, Lanpac Ltd and Safer Preston to launch the project with Larches and Savick Boxing Club.

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The club will run both physical and educational inputs which cover various topics such as county lines, drugs and alcohol, bullying and mental health.

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The course will run for 12 weeks, catering for 10-12 people at a time of secondary school age.

Initially, the project will cater for the young people in the Larches and Savick area, who are either involved in low-level criminality/ASB or have the potential to be involved in such behaviour.

Although the project is aimed at those from Larches and Savick, referrals can be made into the scheme from outside of this area.

Sgt Martin Hughes of Preston Police said: “Projects like this are extremely important to support young people on the verge of criminal behaviour. 

“By getting them involved in diversionary activities such as boxing, can help, in some cases turn their life around.  The programme will provide comprehensive education which can help both physically and mentally.

“However, projects such as this can’t go ahead without vital funding and we’d like to thank our partners for their commitment and support.”

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Apples, tenancy manager from Community Gateway said: “We offer our support by providing local intervention with young people and working with the police and other partners to ensure young people are protected and all our tenants know where we are and that we are  here to offer our support.”

Jimmy Moon of Larches and Savick Boxing club said: “We offer mentoring and training and aim to make it fun. Everyone finds out what their goal is and ultimately it helps to keep the young people off the streets and doing something they enjoy.”

The sessions are due to start from Monday 25^th July and will every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer holidays.

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