West Ham United is launching a powerful new initiative in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Police and the Premier League, aimed at strengthening police engagement and tackling anti-social behaviour among young people.
Officially launched last week at the London Stadium, home of West Ham United (WHU). The initiative, named ‘New Path’, sees WHU Foundation mentors working directly with students in Alternative Provisions, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and those on the edge of criminal behaviour or involvement with the Youth Justice System.
“There is a significant and growing population of pupils falling out of mainstream education,” said West Ham United Foundation CEO, Joseph Lyons. “This latest multi-agency programme builds on our long-standing commitment to prevention, intervention and partnership. We’re proud to deepen our relationship with local police in Barking and Dagenham and respond directly to the needs of our community.”
The New Path project forms part of the police’s ‘Operation Nightingale’, an environment focused approach to tackling criminal activity. Research shows that children outside of mainstream education often face a complex range of disadvantages – from poverty and social exclusion to exploitation and gang grooming. These challenges are often intensified by the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing threat of youth violence, including knife crime.
There is growing concern around the deliberate targeting of vulnerable children by gangs, with reports suggesting that students are being encouraged to bring weapons into school to get excluded – placing them at even greater risk.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell commented: “This initiative enables us to collaborate with community partners to inspire and empower young people, guiding them away from influences that contribute to criminal behaviour or vulnerability to crime.”
Building on the success of Premier League Kicks, which uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, the Premier League are supporting the programme with funding that is provided to the club via the Premier League Charitable Fund. West Ham United will lead on the delivery – marking the first football related partnership for the operation.
Premier League Director of Community, Nick Perchard, added: “Clubs are at the heart of their communities and New Path will build on the great work the West Ham United Foundation have been delivering in Barking and Dagenham for more than 10 years as part of Premier League Kicks. This activity will not only strengthen relationships with the police, but it will ensure that we can continue to support young people with positive pathways and diversionary activity that helps them to reach their full potential.”
The initiative will combine mentoring, football sessions and educational workshops across hot spots to offer easy access to support which build resilience, self-esteem and life skills. Activities will take place on-site at PRUs and Alternative Provisions to encourage attendance, offering a safe, supportive and familiar environment to help improve outcomes.
The Leader and Chief Executive of Barking and Dagenham Council were among those who attended the launch, where they reinforced the importance of partnership working to tackle deep-rooted local challenges.
Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “Our young people are our future and we want to make sure that we give them every opportunity to progress far in their lives. I’m really proud of the opportunities that we have for young people in Barking and Dagenham and this initiative is another great example.
“I’d like to thank the Police and the West Ham United Foundation for their hard work on this project and I’m excited to see what the young people get up to and the results they achieve.”