A multi-agency partnership programme aimed at promoting community safety amongst young people has won a national award.
The Ynys Môn Community Programme was recognised at the inaugural Wales Safer Communities Awards winning the Partnership category for its inclusive approach to promoting community safety.
The programme was also praised for its positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in local towns and improving community cohesion on the Island.
Projects within the programme were led by several partners, including:
- Môn Actif Leisure Service (Anglesey Council)
- Anglesey’s Youth Service, Countryside and AONB Team, Education Service, Children and Young People’s Services (Anglesey Council)
- North Wales Police
- Streetgames
- RNLI
The multi-faceted programme provided children and people of all ages with the opportunity to join in numerous sporting and physical activities, including:
- Weekly fitness classes
- Self-defence classes
- School’s swim safe festival
- Biking, surfing and paddleboarding
- Football, netball, basketball, and various racket sports sessions
Anglesey’s Leisure portfolio holder, Councillor Neville Evans, said, “I am delighted that the Môn Actif team, together with partners, has been recognised with this award. We are extremely proud of the positive work they do in our schools, leisure centres and communities throughout the year.”
Deputy Council Leader and Children, Youth and Housing portfolio holder, Councillor Gary Pritchard added, “Our Youth Service and Children and Young People Services teams do fantastic work all year round. To win this award is a testament and recognition to all the staff, services and partners involved within the programme, congratulations to all.”
The award ceremony, recently held in Swansea, recognised individual and collaborative projects that are making a real difference to individuals and communities across Wales.
Anglesey Council’s Strategic Childcare and Play Officer, Anne Williams explained, “This partnership has allowed us to provide various activities free of charge across Anglesey to a large number of children and young people within communities.”
She added, “Without this positive collaboration it would have been much more difficult to meet the Play Opportunities Grant targets and as a result a large number of children would have missed out on opportunities.”
Tony Hardman, RLNI Station Lead at Trearddur Bay, highlighted the value of working in partnership with Môn Actif as part of the overarching programme.
He added, “Working in collaboration with the County Council on the Swim Safe initiative was a fantastic opportunity for the RNLI to engage with Anglesey school children at water side locations. I certainly hope to see our partnership continue to grow and that the safety messages promoted help keep our children safe in and around the waters that surround us as an island.”
Find the latest Môn Actif opportunities and activities on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MonActif
