City centre activities and events aim to cut risk of anti-social behaviour
A varied programme of events designed to engage young people and reduce anti-social behaviour in Swansea’s city centre will run throughout the school summer holidays.
Drop-in rugby sessions, social gatherings, barbecues, a police community day and an inter-generational music festival in St David’s Square are among the activities planned. The programme expands on last year’s City Chill initiative, which contributed to a significant drop in anti-social behaviour across the city centre and marina area during the summer break.
A key part of this year’s programme is the continuation of Tackle After Dark, a weekly evening session run by Ospreys in the Community, in partnership with South Wales Police and Swansea Council. Held at the Collaboration Station in the former Cranes Music store, the initiative has attracted around 30 young people each week since April.
Inspector Andrew Hedley said the programme is already making a difference. “We are pleased to support the ongoing partnership initiative with Swansea Council and Ospreys in the Community and have already seen the benefits of increased interaction between officers and those in attendance,” he said. “This is just one example of the significant engagement work ongoing over the summer which aims to provide young people with a safe environment and positive things to do, to reduce the chances of anti-social behaviour being committed.”
Councillor Hayley Gwilliam, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, said the Collaboration Station will be a hub of activity this summer. “Some people are often too quick to criticise young people today but they have come up with some great ideas and have shown energy and positivity as we have worked with partners to plan a summer of activities,” she said. “The offering at the Collaboration Station is in addition to hundreds of free and low cost activities for young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea as part of our #HereForYouThisSummer campaign”.
Tom Sloane, head of community foundation at Ospreys in the Community, said the initiative is helping to build trust and promote respect. “Through initiatives like Tackle After Dark, we’re not only creating a safe and welcoming space for young people to connect and grow, but also showing how sport can play a powerful role in building trust, breaking down barriers, and promoting respect,” he said. “The engagement and enthusiasm we’ve seen week after week proves there’s a real appetite for opportunities that are inclusive, supportive, and community-driven.”
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