Harehills community hub to build trust with police
The hub is part of the Build phase, which focuses on long-term community development and crime prevention by addressing root causes and fostering local resilience.Insp Richard Neeves from the East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team said they had carried out a campaign of action to dismantle and disrupt organised crime in the Harehills area since March 2023."We continue to work closely with our partner agencies to disrupt criminality, whilst also engaging and empowering the local community to help build lasting improvements."By creating a space for people to talk to officers and get practical, everyday support we hope to continue building our relationship with the local community."
'Build trust'
The hub has largely been funded by cash from the ARIS fund, which takes assets seized from criminals and distributes it to police forces.In addition to providing a safe and neutral space for residents to speak with their local police officers, it will also serve as a food and hygiene bank and school uniform exchange.Working with Places for People (PfP), the UK's leading social enterprise who provided the commercial unit, local PCSOs and PfP staff have volunteered their time to help transform the building into a welcoming space which will be open three days a week for two hours at a time.Director of places impact at Places for People, Marcus Hulme, said the hub was "a testament to what can be achieved when communities, public services, and partners come together"."It's about creating a space that meets real needs and helps build trust and resilience in the community."Fusion 8 reflects our mission to invest in places and partnerships that empower people, and we're proud to be part of something that will make a lasting difference in Harehills."
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