The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has visited a youth club in Gleadless Valley.
The youth club has been set up through a partnership between Gleadless Valley TARA, Sheffield City Council Youth Services, and Sheffield United Community Foundation, using funding provided through the VRU’s Violence Reduction Fund.
The aim of the work the VRU has funded is to provide safe spaces for young people, for conversations, learning, challenge, and growth.
By providing safe spaces, the aim is to improve integration; reduce incidences of anti-social behaviour and crime; prevent behaviours from escalating; and, in some cases, prevent the exploitation of vulnerable young people.
The VRU visited a session of the youth club to chat to the youth workers and young people. Activities at the session included table tennis, crafts, video gaming, and cooking.
Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit said: “Youth spaces are incredibly important for young people, providing a safe space and positive role models and activities.
“This can often play an important role in preventing involvement in violence – that’s why our Violence Reduction Fund this year focused on supporting young people.
“That has allowed us to fund projects such as this one – an exciting partnership between a local TARA, Sheffield City Council, and Sheffield United Community Foundation.
“This innovative approach is something which we hope has made a real difference to young people in Gleadless Valley.”
