Gwent police commissioner gives Newport youth project £100k cash boost (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent police commissioner gives Newport youth project £100k cash boost

2:20pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News

A NEWPORT youth project was given £100,000 by Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston.

Mr Johnston gave the grant money to Positive Futures Newport to help with the running of the charity’s day-to-day work.

Positive Futures helps vulnerable ten to 19-year-olds at risk of crime and substance abuse and gives them help and support to gain qualifications and get jobs.

The PCC nowhas responsibility to allocate funding which was previously available through the Home Office Crime and Drug Strategy Directorate.

Positive Futures Newport began in May 2002 and is a sports and activity based programme, managed through Newport council’s Sport and Physical Activity Development team.

Mr Johnston said: “Positive Futures Newport is an excellent example of what engaging youngsters early can achieve: just last year over 1,089 youngsters were engaged, over 90 youngsters gained qualifications; others gained employment and others took part in mentoring and volunteer opportunities.

“It’s a fantastic example of what local people can do with local partners.”