Latest news with #EllieJohnson
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Money seized from criminals helps to fund project in Mold
Positive Futures Mold, which runs weekly drop-in sessions for 15 to 19-year-olds at the Daniel Owen Community Centre, received the grant through the Your Community, Your Choice fund, The fund is supported by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). The fund is partly made up of money recovered from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act, ensuring that crime does not pay and instead benefits the community. Ellie Johnson, who runs Positive Futures Mold, said: "I was delighted to show the PCC the work we are doing here in Mold to engage young people and help reduce antisocial behaviour (ASB). "I have seen first-hand the kind of difference support and engagement can make in the lives of our young people and feel that our drop-ins can help reach young people and support them to go on to make better life choices, hopefully resulting in less police contact or potential criminal behaviour." The group was set up in September 2024 with initial funding from Mold Town Council covering room hire, insurance, and refreshments. Each session attracts around 20 young people, and the success of the programme led organisers to apply for additional funding through the public vote-based Your Community, Your Choice scheme. The grant will now be used to purchase games and sports equipment and to help fund a monthly guest speaker, with the aim of inspiring attendees. Ms Johnson said: "I believe that young people need a positive outlet and support system that works for them and this is what we feel we can offer at Positive Futures Mold. "The Daniel Owen Community Centre staff have also been excellent and very supportive in helping us to set up and have a base for the drop-in." The group provides a welcoming and inclusive space for young people, with a focus on those who feel disconnected from society and would benefit from consistent, supportive engagement. Attendees sign in and out each week and agree to a behaviour contract. Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin visited the group recently to see the impact of the funding. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Groups like Positive Futures Mold are the backbones of communities right across North Wales, giving opportunity and encouragement to the people they serve. "I was delighted to visit them and to see the work they are doing with young people in Mold. "My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales prioritises supporting communities and this group is an example of my plan and its aims in action." READ MORE: Wrexham Council rejects call to change hybrid working policy All aboard with Bluey! More than 1,000 fans meet pup at Corwen Station Ashley Rogers, chairman of PACT, said: "I am delighted PACT has been able to support Positive Futures Mold through the Your Community, Your Choice fund. "Young people are the citizens and leaders of tomorrow and anything we can do to engage with them and invest in them should be embraced. "I look forward to seeing Positive Futures Mold grow in the future and make even more of a difference for young people in the town." Since it began 12 years ago, Your Community, Your Choice has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 projects across North Wales that aim to reduce crime and promote community safety. The scheme is designed to support the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan.
BBC News
13-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Children's nature drawings turned into mural at Devon school
A new mural unveiled in a primary school library in Devon aims to celebrate nature, community and artwork at Sherford Vale School and Nursery was created by Plymouth-based artist Ellie Johnson, also known as Mrs was inspired by original designs created by pupils and incorporates elements of their drawings of plants and animals were originally created for a nature-themed installation for the King's Coronation based on the book It's Up to Us: A Children's Terra Carta for Nature, People and Planet. It was commissioned by the Sherford Consortium as a gift to mark the completion of the school building and create a lasting completion coincided with the recent retirement of Sherford Vale head teacher Susie Evans, who had led the school since 2021. Ms Evans said: "It has been a joy to see the children's original artwork transformed into this permanent mural in the heart of our school."It's about developing those individuals to become who they want to be and if they can make a change to this world, then that'd be brilliant."What's quite sad is that, potentially, some of those animals in their design may well be extinct in future years."Ms Johnson said of the piece: "It's been a privilege to bring the children's vision to life in such a beautiful space."Hopefully it will inspire them to love and learn to protect nature and understand that we are a part of nature."
