PCC highlights importance of youth work in building safer communities across Wiltshire and Swindon

Youth workers and community organisations helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and make positive choices are being recognised by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon during National Youth Work Week.

Philip Wilkinson has highlighted the important role youth services play in supporting young people, preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and helping those who may be vulnerable to exploitation.

National Youth Work Week, which runs from 2 to 8 November, celebrates the difference youth workers and volunteers make in communities across the country. This year's theme, Where Futures Begin, focuses on the people, places and opportunities that help young people grow and reach their potential.

Across Wiltshire and Swindon, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is investing in a range of programmes providing young people with positive activities, mentoring, practical skills and specialist support.

The latest round of the Commissioner's Community Action Fund, announced earlier this week, includes more than £43,000 for nine projects specifically supporting young people.

Among those receiving funding are Seeds4Success, which provides youth activities and support in rural south Wiltshire, The RISE Trust, which is expanding its detached youth work in Corsham, and Wiltshire Area Youth Service (WAYS), which will deliver additional outreach sessions in Westbury.

In Swindon, SHINE Pinehurst has received funding to help maintain its youth services, while WAY UK will provide music-based mentoring for young people at risk of becoming involved in crime.

Other grants will support Bath Rugby Foundation's early intervention work in Trowbridge, Motoyouth's diversionary workshops in Swindon, a youth football project run by Kandu Community Arts in Chippenham and activities for young people supported by Developing Health and Independence.

The investment sits alongside other programmes supported by the OPCC, including Premier League Kicks, which provides free football and other sports activities for young people aged eight to 18 in Swindon.

Delivered by Swindon Town FC Community Foundation, the programme secured a further year of joint funding from the OPCC and Premier League Foundation in July.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said:

"Every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, develop their confidence and have someone they can turn to when they need support.

"That might be through a youth club, playing football, learning a new skill or simply having a conversation with someone who takes the time to listen.

"These opportunities can make an enormous difference, particularly for young people who may be facing difficulties at home, at school or in their communities.

"Preventing crime is not just about policing. It is also about making sure young people have access to positive opportunities and trusted adults who can help them make informed choices about their futures.

"That is why I continue to invest in youth services and work with organisations that understand the challenges young people face. The people delivering these programmes are doing important work, often in challenging circumstances, and they deserve our recognition and support."

The OPCC is also supporting the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Partnership, which brings together organisations delivering youth services across the county.

Hosted by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, with support from the OPCC and Wiltshire Council, the partnership is helping improve coordination between organisations, develop training opportunities for youth workers and strengthen services for young people.

Organisations involved in the partnership report supporting more than 25,000 young people each year.

The OPCC also funds the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Commission, which gives young people the opportunity to influence policing and community safety decisions. Delivered by Participation People, the Commission has gathered the views of more than 600 young people across the county on issues including knife crime, mental health and social media, with their findings and recommendations presented directly to the Commissioner and senior Wiltshire Police officers.

Alongside community-based youth work, the OPCC is investing in targeted early intervention through programmes including Focused Deterrence, Synergy, DiversITy and Stronger Futures, which aim to support vulnerable young people and reduce the risk of serious violence and exploitation.

More than £700,000 has been allocated to community safety and youth services collectively during 2026/27, including programmes focused on early intervention and violence prevention.

Mr Wilkinson added:

"We know there are young people across Wiltshire and Swindon who need more support, and the organisations working with them are often best placed to understand what that support should look like.

"National Youth Work Week is an opportunity to recognise what they achieve, but it is also a reminder of why we must continue working together to make sure these opportunities are available to young people, wherever they live.

"By supporting young people early, we can help improve their lives and build safer communities for everyone."

Published Saturday 7 November 2026