Latest news with #YourChoice
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- 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
Rhyl Journal
02-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Seized crime money supports Abergele ‘Safe Sleep' project
The Hummingbird Project, a not-for-profit organisation, was visited by Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on April 24. On his visit, Mr Dunbobbin saw how money recovered from criminals was being used to support vulnerable people in north Wales through the Your Community, Your Choice fund. Your Community, Your Choice is decided through a public vote and backed by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). Mr Dunbobbin saw how money recovered from criminals was being used to fund beds and bedding for families in need (Image: Supplied) The funding comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Hummingbird Project, a not-for-profit organisation which supports people of North Wales, was set up by Pam Lake and Lizzy Day with the aim of helping the community. Ms Lake started the project from her own home and they have now managed to grow the project to include their own premises. They provide household goods, including bedding and beds, for families and individuals who are in need. They source items from the community and pass them on free of charge. Their biggest ask is for beds and, since they began, they have given over 350 beds to children and adults who were without somewhere to sleep. An issue for them is the difficulty in responding quickly to emergency requests and to organise donation and delivery, as they are reliant on the community to donate beds. To combat this, The Hummingbird Project came up with the new project which Your Community, Your Choice funding is supporting. The 'Safe Sleep Project' will allow The Hummingbird Project to provide beds quickly to those most vulnerable who are often victims of violence or crime, and who have had to move on from refuges or other services and don't have the means to purchase beds for themselves. READ MORE: Rhyl veterinary clinic makes 'final plea' for support as site faces closure Ms Lake said: "We are delighted that the public supported this project and are grateful to the Commissioner, PACT and North Wales Police for their interest in what we are doing. "The 'Sleep Safe Project' funding will make a massive difference to the speed we will be able to get beds to those in most need. "Working with a local bed company, Perfect Dreams, we have already delivered a brand-new bed which was very gratefully received." Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, said: "It was inspiring to visit Pam and the team at The Hummingbird Project and to learn more about their dedication to helping people in need in the local community." To learn more about PACT, visit
Campaign ME
24-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
CoinMENA raises brand awareness with ‘Your Future, Your Choice'
In an effort to redefine crypto advertising in the region, CoinMENA has launched its debut campaign, Your Future, Your Choice, to raise awareness around the benefits of cryptocurrency. Through two short films, CoinMENA addresses two universal challenges: rising living costs and the struggle to grow savings. 'Through this campaign, we seek to redefine the crypto narrative in the MENA region, shifting focus from speculative trading to Bitcoin as a tool for financial resilience and long-term wealth preservation,' said Zeid Bataineh, Marketing Director, CoinMENA. He explained that the lack of understanding around Bitcoin shaped the insight that inspired the campaign, which 'aims to educate while connecting emotionally, addressing real-world struggles in a relatable and engaging way.' 'This is where our campaign begins: inflation isn't inevitable, and saving is possible with Bitcoin. We chose to focus on Bitcoin because it's uniquely designed to protect against devaluation, serve as a reliable savings vehicle, and empower individuals to stay ahead,' said Bataineh. In the first film, a young man looking to pay his rent is strongarmed by mobsters into emptying his wallet, a situation many can relate to as rent prices rise year after year. In the second film, the same man tries to grow his savings, only to watch helplessly as a mobster clerk and his gang pocket his hard-earned cash, leaving him with a single coin in 'interest'. The scenes aim to cleverly flip the script from how difficult it is for the average person to grow their savings with a call to action to opt for Bitcoin as a 'reliable alternative', to 'protect against currency devaluation and provide a stable savings vehicle'. The undercurrent elements of humour in both films hope to address a reality far too many people recognise in a lighthearted manner. 'Tackling real-life challenges can be tricky, but humour is a natural way people cope,' said Serge Asaad, CEO, Bigsea. 'With CoinMENA, we leaned into the humour and absurdity of these real-life situations and dialed it up fifty notches so that it strikes the right nerve, without hitting too close to home.' The films' set design and style intentionally drew a contrast between outdated financial practices in place to tackle modern challenges. 'This contrast puts today's challenges into perspective. we shouldn't still be dealing with outdated systems when modern solutions — like CoinMENA — are right in front of us,' said Asaad. In terms of challenges during the conceptualisation of the campaign, Asaad explained that 'from a production standpoint, strict budgets and tight deadlines,' were the obvious ones. However, he said that 'creatively, the real test was striking the right balance by delivering a bold, unapologetic message without stepping on toes.' 'In a content-saturated world, we wanted to create something that would stand out, grab attention, and spark thought,' added Bataineh. Ultimately, through the tools of humour and smartly crafted satire, CoinMENA hopes its debut campaign has 'the power to make people laugh, think critically, and ultimately take action.' Crafted to 'offer a real solution to a serious problem', CoinMENA's Your Future, Your Choice aims to offer more than an alternative to financial success, but a sense of control and optimism as well. Credits: Client: CoinMENA Marketing Director: Zeid Bataineh Lead Creative: Haya Al-Khalidi Social Media: Areej Salem Performance Marketing: Najib Nimri Creative Production House: Bigsea Creative Director: Serge Asaad & Carl Khoury Copy: Carl Khoury Art & Set Design: Bigsea Director – Producer: Serge Asaad Line Prod.: Mazen Abusrour DOP: Drona Antony Gaffer: Roland Baghdady 1st AC: Koko Post Production: Bigsea Hair & Make up: Ziwei Lu Colorist: Dmitry Litvinov Photography: Serge Asaad
