Youth workers funded by OPCC have positive impact on young people in Swindon

Young people feel less likely to 'get into trouble' with the police after spending time with youth workers, a new report shows.

Findings from an annual service evaluation carried out by youth mentoring charity SMASH shows that the presence of detached youth workers – trained professionals delivering support outside of schools or youth centres - makes communities safer and reduces the likelihood of situations escalating and becoming violent.  
  
The report also states young people are more likely to seek support from detached youth workers than from other adults. 
  
As part of the evaluation, young people aged 12-17 who had been supported by the SMASH detached youth work team were asked to describe what has been the biggest change as a result of a programme, as well as setting up focus groups to gather feedback. 
  
Last year The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner successfully bid for almost one million pounds of additional funding to support targeted community projects via the Home Office’s “Safer Streets Fund”. 
  
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Street based, or detached youth work, involves youth workers delivering support outside of youth centres, such as in streets, town centres or parks, which is often a preferred option to many young people, as this evaluation clearly shows. 
  
“Unfortunately, we know there is a link between more deprived areas and crime levels, so detached youth projects like this are great for focusing on the areas that need it most. 
  
“Having these trusted adults going to where young people are, instead of expecting them to come to us allows us to reach those who may not choose to seek out support in youth clubs or structured activities. 
  
“By using this funding from Government efficiently and effectively, working in partnership, we’ve see projects make a positive difference in these areas, delivering the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan to reduce violence and serious harm and to tackle crimes that matter to local communities.” 
  
Andy Malcom, SMASH CEO said: “ ‘It has been a delight to partner with the OPCC on this essential piece of work. Being part of a collective of organisations who have worked with the OPCC to see anti-social behaviour reduce significantly has been an absolute delight.  
 
“Combining the skills of Smash, Iprovefit, The Bridge Project and The Rise Trust to connect with and support young people across Swindon and Wiltshire has once again showcased the profound difference that professional, skilled youth workers and mentors can make to young people and their communities.” 
  
This round of Safer Streets funding totalling £405,545.19 has been spent across several projects in the county including:

• Detached youth work led by SMASH heading up a countywide consortium including iProveFit, The RISE Trust (Chippenham) and The Bridge Youth Project (Salisbury) to provide targeted youth engagement in priority areas across the three locations.
• A referral process in Swindon providing 1-1 mentoring for those most at risk of criminality within the CHB area, provided by iProvefit.  

Published Wednesday 11 June 2025