South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael visited Neath Town Centre recently to see how partnership work funded by his team is helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The visit was arranged after survey responses from residents and local business owners expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and homelessness in the town.

During the visit, Alun spoke to Community Safety Managers and ASB Reduction Co-ordinators, as well as community members and local businesses.

He went on to visit two projects which have recently received funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Prevention Unit Grant.

The Dewis Project works with young people, aged 16 – 25, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The project offers accommodation and support for young people, especially those with complex needs, and it aims to build resilience for their future.

The Hangout is fully funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and was developed between the local authority’s Community Safety, Youth Service and Youth Justice Teams. It is a new safe space which aims to divert children 11 years and older from being drawn into antisocial behaviour and is run by youth workers and the local neighbourhood policing team.

Alun said: “It is always great to see how projects that we have funded are flourishing and making a difference. What I saw during the course of this visit, is people and organisations working together to address issues and tackle the root causes of the town’s problems and is very encouraging.

“Young people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless often have complex needs and without support, they are extremely vulnerable. The Dewis project does a fantastic job of providing safe accommodation and support with the aim of improving individual circumstances and lifting them out of a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Speaking about The Hangout, Alun said: “As a former youth worker myself, I know the importance of safe places where children can engage safely with each other and with a trusted adult. It was great to hear The Hangout is a hit with young people in the town.”

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael carries out engagement visits to communities across south Wales throughout the year to see first-hand what difference police and partner projects and interventions are having.

Pictured: Alun Michael visits The Hangout - a youth club funded by his Violence Prevention Unit Grant.