Latest news with #PoliceandCrimePlan
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Prestatyn pupils take the lead in promoting online safety
Youngsters from Bodnant Community School have teamed up with North Wales Police as part of a two-week digital safety scheme, supported by youth engagement constable Melanie Cartledge-Davis, the force's cyber crime team, and Get Safe Online. As part of the project, the school's Mini Police learned about digital footprints, online bullying, protecting personal information, using strong passwords, age-appropriate apps, and spotting online strangers and AI bots. The pupils created short educational videos in their own words, sharing advice with fellow children and parents. Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales police and crime commissioner (PCC), said: "This Mini Police initiative directly supports key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan, particularly around youth engagement and cyber safety. "Equipping children with the tools to stay safe online is one of the most important things we can do. "By empowering young people to speak up, understand the risks, and know who they can turn to, we're helping to prevent harm and build safer communities across North Wales. "I'm proud of the young people involved in this project and of the officers who guided and supported them." The digital safety messages will be shared throughout the summer term on the police and crime commissioner's social media channels. Parents and carers are encouraged to watch and discuss the content with their children. The pupils also shared their experiences with Mr Dunbobbin during his visit to Bodnant Community School on June 12. Constable Cartledge-Davis said: "Over the course of this project, the children learned not only about cyber safety, but also about confidence, communication, and teamwork. "With online risks becoming more common and more complex, it's vital that children understand how to protect themselves, and even more vital that they know where to turn if something doesn't feel right. "This project has helped them become true Digital Defenders." READ MORE: Natural Resources Wales urges visitors to act responsibly this summer Andrea Vaughan-Thomas, a teacher at Bodnant Community School, said the scheme had a strong impact on the pupils. Ms Vaughan-Thomas said: "We're incredibly proud of our pupils for the creativity and enthusiasm they've shown throughout this project. "Online safety is such an important topic and giving children a voice to share advice in their own words makes the message even more powerful. "Working with North Wales Police and their partners has been a brilliant experience, and we're confident that our Mini Police team have helped make a real difference." The Mini Police scheme is a national programme for primary school pupils, designed to build positive relationships with the police through fun, educational activities that promote community safety. More information on the scheme can be found on the College of Policing website.
Rhyl Journal
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales: £25,000 fund to keep children fit and engaged
The Summer Sports Fund, first introduced in 2023 by PCC Dunbobbin, was initially focused on football and has now expanded to include all sports. The initiative encourages clubs and youth organisations to apply for funding to organise sporting activities for children during the summer holidays. As well as promoting fitness, the fund aims to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), which often increases during the summer months, by keeping young people productively scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise and fun' (Image: North Wales PCC) The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise, and fun, creating an inclusive atmosphere'. The commissioner has set aside £25,000 to support 25 sports projects. This means up to £1,000 can be awarded to each successful applicant. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Sport is an excellent way of establishing friendships, self-confidence, and positivity among young people, especially when they are away from the routine of school life, and can also help reduce instances of ASB by offering other ways of expending energy. "Since it first began, it's proved an extremely popular fund and I am pleased that I have been able to help so many organisations, communities, and young people to benefit from the fun, self-discipline, and exercise that you get from sport. "I hope it will once again make a real difference to the young people of North Wales during the summer holidays. "Supporting communities and reducing anti-social behaviour in North Wales is a crucial part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales, and the Summer Sports Fund is a positive example of my plan in action. "I would encourage any club or community organisation that thinks they are eligible for funding to apply now." To be eligible, applicants need to fill out a short application form by midnight on Friday, June 27. This year, an online application form has been launched to make the process easier. Applicants need to be based in North Wales and cater for children and young people up to 17 years old. The project must demonstrate how they will address issues of anti-social behaviour or align with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. Organisations are also required to have a safeguarding policy and/or child protection policy, and all staff and volunteers must have completed relevant DBS checks. It is preferred, though not essential, that the project includes an element of match funding. The grant cannot be used to fund individuals, profit-making organisations, or work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) are obliged to fund. Applications will not be considered from local government, prisons, NHS bodies, or for projects that take place outside of the UK. This initiative is set to encourage young people across North Wales to engage in positive activities over the summer, whilst also tackling potential spikes in anti-social behaviour. For more details and to apply, visit
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
North Wales: £25,000 fund to keep children fit and engaged
The Summer Sports Fund, first introduced in 2023 by PCC Dunbobbin, was initially focused on football and has now expanded to include all sports. The initiative encourages clubs and youth organisations to apply for funding to organise sporting activities for children during the summer holidays. As well as promoting fitness, the fund aims to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB), which often increases during the summer months, by keeping young people productively scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise and fun' (Image: North Wales PCC) The scheme fosters a 'spirit of teamwork, exercise, and fun, creating an inclusive atmosphere'. The commissioner has set aside £25,000 to support 25 sports projects. This means up to £1,000 can be awarded to each successful applicant. Mr Dunbobbin said: "Sport is an excellent way of establishing friendships, self-confidence, and positivity among young people, especially when they are away from the routine of school life, and can also help reduce instances of ASB by offering other ways of expending energy. "Since it first began, it's proved an extremely popular fund and I am pleased that I have been able to help so many organisations, communities, and young people to benefit from the fun, self-discipline, and exercise that you get from sport. "I hope it will once again make a real difference to the young people of North Wales during the summer holidays. "Supporting communities and reducing anti-social behaviour in North Wales is a crucial part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales, and the Summer Sports Fund is a positive example of my plan in action. "I would encourage any club or community organisation that thinks they are eligible for funding to apply now." To be eligible, applicants need to fill out a short application form by midnight on Friday, June 27. This year, an online application form has been launched to make the process easier. Applicants need to be based in North Wales and cater for children and young people up to 17 years old. The project must demonstrate how they will address issues of anti-social behaviour or align with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. Organisations are also required to have a safeguarding policy and/or child protection policy, and all staff and volunteers must have completed relevant DBS checks. It is preferred, though not essential, that the project includes an element of match funding. The grant cannot be used to fund individuals, profit-making organisations, or work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) are obliged to fund. Applications will not be considered from local government, prisons, NHS bodies, or for projects that take place outside of the UK. This initiative is set to encourage young people across North Wales to engage in positive activities over the summer, whilst also tackling potential spikes in anti-social behaviour. For more details and to apply, visit
South Wales Argus
30-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Gwent police and crime commissioner on first year of role
I can honestly say that is has been one of the most challenging, but also most rewarding, times of my career. In the last year alone, I have made three of the biggest decisions that a police and crime commissioner is responsible for. I have appointed a new chief constable, published my Police and Crime Plan, and set Gwent Police's budget. I appointed Mark Hobrough as chief constable of Gwent Police in December 2024. The appointment followed significant public engagement and a series of interviews with panels made up of partner organisations, community members, and young people. Mark's knowledge, and dedication to the people of Gwent, came through strongly. Six months on, I remain convinced of his passion and commitment for making Gwent a safer place for our residents. At the start of this year, I formally set Gwent Police's budget for 2025 – 2026. A significant part of this is now made up directly by money received through council tax, and it is my job to set the level of the council tax precept which is paid by residents. I believe the final budget is a fair balance between affordability and the money needed to create a safer Gwent and deliver on the commitments I have made in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan. The plan was launched in March and has five priorities which are: preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, making our communities safer, protecting the vulnerable, putting victims first, and reducing reoffending. I decided to focus on these areas following months of public engagement and focus groups with residents. They also reflect the commitments I made when campaigning for election. They are underpinned by my unwavering commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. While it has been a challenging year, I can honestly say that it has been a joy getting to know the different communities that make up Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen. I have attended community groups, local events, spoken to residents and visited many of our schools to talk to children and young people. I remain incredibly proud of the trust and confidence residents placed in me when they voted for their commissioner. I promise to continue to work hard to make a difference for our communities and make Gwent a safer place for us all. Jane Mudd is the police and crime commissioner for Gwent.
North Wales Chronicle
28-05-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
PCC Andy Dunbobbin visits Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC
PCC Andy Dunbobbin spent time at Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, at the Beacon Climbing Centre, on Sunday, May 18, to witness how the centre is using funding from the 'Your Community, Your Choice' initiative to support people recovering from substance addiction. Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, in partnership with North Wales Recovery Communities, is using the funding to run a climbing programme for individuals who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Many participants also face mental health challenges and have previous involvement in the criminal justice system. The climbing sessions take place at the Beacon Climbing Centre and outdoors in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, and see participants learn climbing techniques, practice teamwork through belaying and group problem-solving, and build confidence by confronting physical and mental challenges. During his visit, PCC Dunbobbin toured the facilities, spoke with programme leaders, and observed a demonstration session. He said: "It was inspiring to visit Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC and see firsthand how they're using this funding to support individuals on their recovery journey. "This initiative aligns with my Police and Crime Plan's focus on crime prevention and building resilient communities." Rachael Hobbs, adventure co-ordinator at Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, added: "This funding is transformative for our climbing programme. "We ran a successful pilot last year that showed benefits for participants. "The support from 'Your Community, Your Choice' means we can make this programme accessible to more people in recovery and create sustainable positive change in their lives. "By scheduling these sessions on Monday evenings, we're not only teaching valuable skills but providing a healthy start to the week that helps their recovery journey." Ashley Rogers, chairman of the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), said: "Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC's climbing programme represents exactly what 'Your Community, Your Choice' is about – using funds seized from criminal activity to create positive opportunities that prevent future crime. "We're proud to support such an innovative project." Over the past 12 years, the 'Your Community, Your Choice' scheme has awarded nearly £660,000 to 214 initiatives working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods and support the priorities in the PCC's Police and Crime Plan. READ MORE: Ceremony marks the start of work on 54 new homes in Anglesey Funding comes partly from money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest contributed by the PCC. For more details on Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning CIC, visit To learn more about PACT, visit and to learn more about the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, visit
