This Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, One Vision Housing is proud to highlight its partnership with the Merseyside initiative, EVOLVE Netherton, in tackling serious and organised crime. Through this collaboration, we recently hosted The CELLS (Choices, Education, Lifelong Learning Skills) Project for local youth.

Over six weeks, 22 young people aged 10-16 participated in engaging, two-hour workshops. The sessions focused on various crime types, their consequences, and the impact on families. CELL members, with personal experience with the criminal justice system, shared their stories and discussed the harsh realities of prison life.

CELLS Project delved into topics like joint enterprise laws, demonstrating how seemingly harmless actions can have serious consequences. Interactive activities, like a realistic prison cell display, further emphasised the gravity of crime.

The workshops addressed crucial issues like gun and gang violence, county lines, child exploitation, and different forms of abuse. Additionally, information on coercive control and “Clare’s Law” empowered young people to recognise and seek help in abusive situations.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive:

• “I didn’t know joint enterprise was a thing. This changes how I think.”
• “I considered carrying a knife due to my ethnicity. These sessions helped me see alternative ways to feel safe.”
• “Hearing real stories about prison life was a wake-up call. You don’t get that on TV.”

Neil Kenwright, Head of Housing at One Vision Housing, said:

“We are delighted to be a key partner in the EVOLVE Netherton initiative. By working closely with Merseyside Police and other stakeholders, we are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and creating safer, stronger communities. This project aligns perfectly with our mission to create opportunities and change lives.”

Inspector Doug Chadwick of Merseyside Police, involved in EVOLVE Netherton, added:

“Thanks to One Vision Housing, 22 young people participated in potentially life-changing CELLS workshops. These workshops equip young people with knowledge to make positive choices and contribute to a safer community. We encourage anyone with concerns about crime or exploitation to contact Merseyside Police or Fearless.”

Fearless remains a crucial resource for young people. Call Fearless anonymously at 0800 555 111, or visit their website for information and advice at crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless.

Additional support

Together, One Vision Housing, Merseyside Police, and EVOLVE Netherton are committed to creating a stronger, safer and better future for our youth.