Community workers in Rutland are encouraging young people to try out dance and drama as part of a project funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews.
The project supports the PCC's mission to promote community spirit, prevent crime and anti-social behaviour and divert young people away from the criminal justice system.
As part of his mission to build safe and prosperous communities, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC provided a grant worth nearly £10k to Rutland First Community Interest Company (CIC) to roll out its Uppingham Youth Space project.
The initiative sees young people in the Uppingham area engaging in a series of fun and free activities including dance, drawing, acting, outdoor and indoor sports, cooking, embroidery and glass fusion to learn new skills and increase their confidence.
To date, more than 53 young people have registered with the scheme and the numbers are set to grow with Year 6 children now being invited to join.
Activities are hosted in the Town Hall, Uppingham Community College and on Tod's Piece and are aimed at young people aged 11 to 16.
Mr Matthews said: "I'm really pleased with how well this project has been received. Young people are enjoying the opportunity to try something new and clearly appreciate having a new safe space to socialise, meet new friends and try their hand at a different sport.
"The project is encouraging young people to get more involved in their communities with activities such as planting flowers and making decorations for the annual Uppingham in Bloom contest. One of my great ambitions as PCC is to bring people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences together to make our communities stronger and more resilient, and I'm pleased to see this in action in Rutland."
Miles Williamson-Noble, the Chair of Rutland First CIC, said Uppingham Youth Space has been a tremendous success.
"The youngsters thoroughly enjoy themselves and appreciate having somewhere to go after school where they can take part in a range of sporting activities and learn new skills," he said.
"Using this funding we have been able to expand the range of activities and sporting equipment available, bring in external activities and employ a part-time Youth Leader who can work with the youngsters and volunteers to put together an interesting and challenging programme.
"We are delighted to say that the numbers attending each week have been growing steadily. Youth Space is now on a firmly established footing and has been able to secure funding to ensure at least a further five years of operation. We are most grateful to the Commissioner's Safety Fund for making all this possible."
The annual Commissioner's Safety Fund is worth in the region of £400k annually.
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for evidence-led interventions and projects that protect the public from harm, stop reoffending and protect people from being exploited or drawn into crime.
Funding rounds alternate between general and specialist themes.
