New initiative brings police and young people together

An innovative community engagement event between Devon & Cornwall Police and local partners has seen success in connecting with youths, while tackling concerns around antisocial behaviour and alcohol use among young people.

The street engagement runs regularly in Plymouth City Centre, bringing together police officers, youth initiatives, partner agencies and teens. The street event involves a number of engaging workshops and activities designed to encourage open honest conversations about a number of topics, including alcohol and safe socialising. The recent event reached over 80 children and young people aged 14 - 20 through interactive sessions and sports activities.

Police Sergeant Mark Williams, who attended the event, said: "We know that alcohol can affect a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation, which can contribute to issues such as antisocial behaviour (ASB). Our aim is to keep young people safe and encourage safe decisions when it comes to consuming alcohol and socialising during the evenings and late nights, so being able to spark up these conversations was really useful in helping us to educate young people in our communities.

“It wasn't about telling young people what not to do – it was about listening to them, understanding their perspectives, and working together to highlight positive alternatives. Ultimately, we just want young people to be safe and to make safe choices which do not negatively impact their wellbeing or our communities. Together with our partners, we want to show young people that we care and support is out there if needed.

"By investing time into the upcoming generation of adults, we aim to form positive long-lasting relationships which we hope will build trust in the police so they feel able to come to us when they need help, while also deterring people from committing crime and ASB.”

Partners from the newly launched Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) were at the event, including; PL Kicks from Plymouth Argyle, Council Youth Outreach, Community Alcohol Project, Plymouth Community Homes and Plymouth Against Retail Crime (PARC). The Zone and a street artist doing some very impressive spray paint art.

CAP sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities

Police and partners also spoke with young people about the Safe Bus, Ask for Angela, Plymouth Night Patrol, Street Pastors and Taxi Marshalls.

Annie Ashford-Barnden, CAP Regional Adviser for SW England commented: "We know from extensive research that underage drinking can have serious consequences, from disrupting education to leading young people into risky behaviors like drug use, violence, and long-term health problems. By working together, we can help steer children and young people towards an alcohol-free childhood."

"We are really looking forward to running more events and working with the local community to creating an alcohol-free childhood for everyone."

The next engagement event will take place on 28 October. For more information about the event, please click here.

For more information about the laws surrounding drugs and alcohol, visit: Drugs and alcohol - Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police working in Partnership (devon-cornwall.police.uk).

More information about the safety initiatives available during the evening and night time in Plymouth is detailed here: News Article - Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk)

‘Let’s Talk’ toolkits can also be accessed for free online, which aim to help parents and guardians understand more about the challenges young people are facing today, including drugs, alcohol and mental health. Access the resources here: saferdevon.co.uk/lets-talk-teenagers/