The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Dr Alan Billings, have visited Rotherham Aspire.
Rotherham Aspire is the borough’s Pupil Referral Unit, based on Doncaster Road.
The VRU and PCC visited to chat to students who have been supported by VRU funding, which meant they could take part in music sessions at In2Change.
In2Change is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to prevent young people and ex-offenders from engaging in or remaining involved in criminality.
As a result of the VRU funding, the students were able to follow their passion in music, and even put together their own music video, which was played to the VRU and PCC during their visit.
Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “I’m pleased the VRU was able to visit Rotherham Aspire to see the result of the students’ hard work on their music video, and chat to them about the positive impact music and their work with In2Change has had on their lives.
“Supporting young people has always been a priority for the Violence Reduction Unit.
“We recognise how important it is to intervene early and help young people to make positive, healthy life choices. This has become even more vital given the impact of the pandemic, and the isolation many have experienced over the last two years.”
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I recognise how important it is for young people to have positive outlets and activities to help them make the best start in life, build their skills and set them on the right path.
“I’m pleased that the students we met have found a positive outlet through music, and that our Violence Reduction Unit has been able to support them in pursuing this passion.
“It really has been life changing for them, and I look forward to visiting Rotherham Aspire again in future to see more of their work.”
