North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited a Bangor community project funded through the Your Community, Your Choice initiative to see how money seized from criminals is being transformed into positive opportunities for young people and families.
During a visit to Westend Academy’s community hub on Farrar Road, Bangor, on 6 August, PCC Dunbobbin met staff and young people benefiting from the organisation’s Skills for Life and Wellbeing Youth Club project by Hwb Westend Hub. The hub is a base for a range of community activities and performing arts projects and even boasts a wonderful biker-themed 1950s -style diner and café.
Your Community, Your Choice is funded through a combination of money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and PCC funding. Successful projects are chosen through a public vote and supported by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
The project at the hub aims to deliver a structured programme of positive and meaningful activities for young people aged 11 to 18 across Bangor. The initiative is designed to support young people during periods when they may be most vulnerable to anti-social behaviour, exploitation and poor wellbeing.
The programme includes a variety of activities aimed at building confidence, developing life skills and improving wellbeing, including first aid training, rapping and songwriting workshops.
During the visit, PCC Dunbobbin met Hwb Westend Hub Chair Natalie Robb, who outlined how the funding is helping the organisation provide a range of engaging opportunities for local young people.
One of the day’s highlights saw Stuart Thomas of Bangor Tyre Services speak to attendees about his journey as a local businessman. He spoke about the amount of hard work and effort he has put into his business over many years to make it the success it is today, employing 17 local members of staff. Mr Thomas, who is also a part-time magician, also treated the young people to an impressive magic performance.
Natalie Robb said: “It was a pleasure to show the PCC, Andy Dunbobbin, around our venue and chat about everything that we offer here for young people and families in the area. Hwb Westend Hub is a safe space for young people to enjoy time with friends, learn new skills, and become the version of themselves they dream of. With many exciting things in the pipeline for the future, our community hub will be a place for children and adults of all ages to enjoy time together and connect in areas where they can be themselves.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding that we have received at Hwb Westend Hub and for the support of Your Community, Your Choice and to all who voted for us. Young people are our future and to be able to support them, along with their families, is something that we will continue to strive for.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “It’s inspiring to see how Your Community, Your Choice funding is making a real difference to young people’s lives in Bangor. The money used to fund these projects has been taken from criminals and is now being reinvested into communities, creating positive opportunities and helping to prevent crime before it happens.
“Westend Academy & Hub Westend Hub is providing young people with valuable skills, experiences and support in a safe environment, giving them the confidence and resilience they need to thrive. It was a pleasure to meet everyone involved and see first-hand the positive impact this project is having.”
Head of Local Policing Chief Superintendent Jacqueline Downes said: “Projects such as this play an important role in supporting young people and strengthening our communities. By providing constructive activities and positive role models, initiatives like the Skills for Life and Wellbeing Youth Club can help reduce vulnerability and steer young people away from anti-social behaviour and exploitation.
“We are proud to support Your Community, Your Choice and the many organisations that work tirelessly to make a difference in their local areas.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers said: “The success of Your Community, Your Choice is built on the dedication of community groups who understand local needs and deliver real, lasting benefits. Hwb Westend Hub is an excellent example of how funding can be used to empower young people, improve wellbeing and create positive opportunities for the future.
“We are delighted to support projects that have been chosen by local people and which help make our communities safer and stronger.”
Over the past 13 years, Your Community, Your Choice has awarded more than £700,000 to 234 projects across North Wales. The scheme supports initiatives that help reduce crime in local neighbourhoods and contribute towards the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
