Sports sessions organized by local officers in collaboration with Sports Connect have garnered significant interest, with over 100 young people participating in the initiative aimed at addressing concerns about a lack of evening activities for teenagers in Sheerness.
After residents raised concerns to neighbourhood constables, highlighting that teenagers had little to do during the evenings, the officers secured £5,000 from the Hotspot Policing problem-solving budget to provide a solution. The team partnered with Sports Connect, an organization that provides sports activities for communities, which contributed additional funding to organize regular sporting events.
PC Richard Hewes, the town’s beat officer, said: “It has been great to see some of the young people we meet in the town centre whilst on patrol, enthusiastically attending these free sessions with a really positive attitude. Many come from families that would not be able to pay for these activities elsewhere, and I would encourage anyone aged between 11 and 19 to come along, join in, and make new friends.
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Attendees do not need to book in advance, and parents are welcome to attend alongside their children. With the involvement of local officers and Sports Connect staff, the sessions have created a safe and engaging environment for the youth of Sheerness.
