Council funding for youth engagement project aims to reduce anti-social behaviour

A new youth engagement project has been launched in Brereton and Ravenhill to reduce anti-social behaviour, with funding allocated from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund.

Delivered by Vysions Youth Services, the youth-led sports and engagement activities help to bring about positive change by giving young people safe, constructive opportunities.

Qualified coaches and trusted young leaders from Vysions deliver the sessions, which include flexible activities chosen by the young people themselves — from football and dodgeball to tug of war and manhunt.

This initiative builds on more than 10 years of voluntary youth work in Brereton and Ravenhill Park, led by Sue Merriman, whose consistent youth presence has played a vital role in tackling anti-social behaviour issues, such as vandalism, fires and theft.

By combining structured sports with trusted youth work, the project is strengthening relationships with young people and making local parks safer and more welcoming.

Councillor David Williams, deputy leader of the Council and Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said: “For more than a decade, Sue Merriman has been doing the hard yards in Brereton and Ravenhill Park, building trust with young people week in, week out.

“That consistency matters, and this funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner recognises what works.

“This is about prevention, not sticking plaster responses.

“Nationally, we're seeing a shift towards bringing services together around young people - youth workers, mental health support, and early intervention - rather than pushing teenagers from pillar to post between different agencies.

“Here in Brereton and Ravenhill, we're demonstrating exactly that collaborative approach through our partnership between the Council, Vysions, the police, and community groups.

“It's clear that when we invest early through proven, trusted relationships like Sue has built, we reduce the costs of enforcement later and - more importantly - we help young people make positive choices. That is responsible use of public money delivering real outcomes for our communities.”

The project is part of a wider joined-up approach between the Council, the police, local partners, and community groups — focusing on early intervention, prevention, and long-term positive engagement with young people.

Sue Merriman, Founder of Vysions Youth Services, said: "We’ve seen first-hand how powerful consistent youth work can be in building trust and changing lives.

“Coach in the Park is about being visible, being approachable, and giving young people a space to feel safe, active and listened to. It’s more than just sport – it’s a doorway to better choices, new opportunities, and long-term support."

Ben Adams, Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner said: “It’s essential that these types of activities are available for children in Staffordshire.

“They are not only an important opportunity to divert children away from crime and ASB, but also as a means for them to make friends and try something new in a safe environment.”

For more information about youth opportunities in Brereton and Ravenhill, contact [email protected]