Spotlight on Action Fund’s impact in Handforth

Football classes to keep kids active at Handforth Youth Centre have been improved with new floodlights, thanks to support from Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer’s Community Action Fund.

The Commissioner went to see the new floodlights with representatives from the Town Council and Onward Housing, who have also contributed towards the project.

Activities run by Handforth Youth Club at the Youth Centre, such as football coaching in partnership with Macclesfield Town FC, had been restricted throughout much of the year with classes unable to be held outside. Seeing an opportunity to expand what they can offer to local residents, the Youth Club applied to the Community Action Fund to improve their outdoor space.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, said:

“Through working together with the Youth Club, Onward and the Town Council, we have been able to make a real difference for young people in Handforth.

“My Community Action fund is designed to prevent and tackle crime. Giving young people something positive to channel their energy into is a great way to keep them on the right path and I look forward to seeing them benefit from the improvements made to the Youth Centre.”

The Youth Centre is also home to the Handforth Police Community Base, giving the local policing team the chance to engage with young people and speak to them about crime-related issues.

With the expanded set of activities that can now take place inside, thanks to the improved outside facilities, there is now a greater chance for young people and their parents to hear from their local policing team at the Youth Centre.

Andrew Brown, Onward’s Director of Housing & Specialist Living said:

“Onward Homes are keen for Handforth Community Centre/Youth Centre to be able increase the activities offered to the community.  The new floodlights enable the outside games area to be used in the evenings, giving young people in the area a safe, supervised space to hang out.”

Cllr Julie Smith from Handforth Town Council said:

“This is a wonderful example of community collaboration bringing together Cheshire Police, youth centre users and Onward Housing Association for the good of Handforth. We are grateful to the PCC for match funding the Onward donation to enable this initiative to be fulfilled.”

For information about Handforth Youth Club, go to: 

https://livewellservices.cheshireeast.gov.uk/Services/1001/Handforth-Youth-Club

To find out more about the Community Action Fund, see: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/community-funding/community-action-fund/

Pictured - Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer (left) with local representatives from Handforth Town Council, Onward and Handforth Youth Club.