FORMER Newport County, Cardiff City and Wales footballer Nathan Blake has been made an ambassador to Crimestoppers in recognition for his work helping young people.

Mr Blake is a prominent supporter of the crime-fighting charity’s youth programme, Fearless, which was set up to educate young people about different types of crime and encourage them to speak up if they witness crime.

He has also been engaged in helping young people get engaged in apprenticeships, and in the It’s My Shout scheme which helps people pursue opportunities in film production and acting.

“I’m just trying to do my bit,” he said. “If you want to have a good society, you can’t step aside when people say they want to improve things.”

He believes encouraging young people to speak up about crime is an important part of improving communities, especially in cases where people may fear being branded a “grass” by their peers.

Crimestoppers, which is not a part of the police, promises to protect the identity of anyone who calls with information about a crime.

“Anonymity is important to people, and Crimestoppers has a huge part to play,” Mr Blake said.

“The stigma that you’re doing something wrong is something that we need to get over.

“This idea of being a grass – if somebody mugged your mum, you’d want people to come forward.”

Crimestoppers celebrates its 30th birthday this year, as reported by the South Wales Argus earlier this week.

READ MORE: Crimestoppers: 30 years of fighting crime

Speaking after Mr Blake’s appointment, Crimestoppers’ regional manager for Wales, Ella Rabaiotti, said: “We’re delighted to have Nathan onboard as an ambassador for our charity.

“He’s already shown tremendous support for our youth scheme – Fearless – and shares our passion to ensure young people are empowered to speak up against crime.”

For more information, visit www.fearless.org and www.crimestoppers-uk.org