Chorley and South Ribble Police work with rehabilitated ex-offenders to help steer young people away from crime
Friday, July 12, 2024
Thousands of secondary school children across Chorley and South Ribble have taken part in an educational programme aimed at diverting them away from crime.
The Cells Project is an initiative which educates young people on the consequences of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity and uses the lived experiences of its contributors, who have all been affected by crime, including rehabilitated ex-offenders, to address issues like crime and consequences, drug awareness, gang culture and joint enterprise.
This initiative was made possible through funding from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) and the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner.
Since April, over 1700 young people across ten High Schools in Chorley and South Ribble have benefited from inputs from the team.
PC Jason Ellwood from the Safer Neighbourhood’s Team said: “Projects like this help to engage young people who may already be being influenced to make poor choices, providing them with support and information by people who have experienced, or been affected by criminal exploitation.
“Our team looks at creating tailored interventions at an early stage to provide relevant support and solutions. We work closely with partners, like the Cells Project, to help people to thrive and prevent any potential escalation.
“The messages that these young people receive from the Cells team are hard-hitting and leave a lasting impression in the hope that they will reduce vulnerability and improve the futures of the young people taking part.”
Shaun Glanville from the Cells Project said: “This project aims to educate children and young people about the serious consequences of crime and prevent initial and reoffending behaviours within our communities.
“Our work is delivered by rehabilitated ex-offenders and victims of crime or abuse, who offer lived-experience and are fully trained to guide, motivate and support the young people who are referred to us needing guidance to overcome issues and barriers.
“Gaining support from CELLS has yielded significant benefits for most of the young people that we have worked with and has led to noticeable improvements in their engagement, feelings of self-worth, and motivation to realise their potential.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "It's encouraging to see how the Cells Project is giving young people a real insight into the consequences of getting involved in crime, through impactful lived experiences.
"This type of funded activity can have a real impact in preventing crime –diverting people away from a potential life of offending and making neighbourhoods safer.
"As Commissioner, making Lancashire a safer place to live is my primary aim, and I will continue to back projects that support the delivery of safer communities that can only be achieved through having strong leadership, a strong police force, and strong deterrents."
