|
Although the Lambeth Summer Projects Trust are a
voluntary organisation they are the largest crime
diversion summer youth activities provider in the
Borough of Lambeth and probably the largest community
/ Police scheme of their kind in London. The Projects
receive no statutory funding and are totally dependent
on donations and grants given by those who recognise
their value. Without the tremendous good will and
backing of the Metropolitan Police and the hundreds
of volunteers who give their valuable free time there
would not be the staff to run such professional Projects.
This unique partnership stems from the late 1980's
when, because of volatile unrest in the Norwood area,
it was necessary to defuse tension and promote better
community relations especially targeting young people.
The Police and local community combined to provide
the first Summer Project.
The Projects
provide a wide-ranging four-week programme of activities
during the school holidays at five sites throughout
the borough and include a variety of indoor and outdoor
sports together with workshops, involving computers,
video & photography, dance, music, drama and arts
& crafts. Trips out include sailing, ten-pin bowling,
archery, dry slope skiing, rock climbing, canoeing
and museum visits.
 The
Lambeth Summer Projects aim to break down barriers,
real or imaginary between Police, young people
and the wider community:
By promoting good citizenship and reducing the potential
for young people to commit crime by introducing them
to credible ways in which they can constructively
use their leisure time;
By helping to build positive
and continuing relationships between
the community and young people
in order to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour,
and promote a reduction in the fear of crime;
To enhance awareness of the needs of young people
by promoting partnership between statutory, voluntary,
private sector agencies and organisations to encourage
their active involvement in local youth initiatives.
The Project's
programme content aims to challenge stimulate and
interest. In keeping with the Project's themes, the
compter workshop programme includes the issues of
Anti-Street Robbery, Burglary, Bullying, Graffiti,
Litter, Truancy, Racism, and Drugs & Alcohol Awareness
and embrace issues of the environment and people's
quality of life. The young people will describe their
thoughts or ideas of the above themes through computers,
drama, arts & crafts, dance and photography.
THE TRUST
The Trust was formed in 1992 specifically to distance the Metropolitan Police
Service from handling financial matters relating to the Projects.
The allocation of funds is the responsibility of
the Trustees who ensure that all donations are used
in a correct and accountable manner and are only
used for the purposes for which they were made
|
