The West Ham United Foundation has launched a new initiative in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Police and the Premier League aimed at strengthening police engagement and tackling anti-social behaviour among young people.

‘New Path’ will see WHU Foundation mentors working directly with students in Alternative Provision, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), and those on the edge of criminal behaviour or involvement with the Youth Justice System.

West Ham United Foundation CEO, Joseph Lyons, said: “There is a significant and growing population of pupils falling out of mainstream education. This latest multi-agency programme builds on our long-standing commitment to prevention, intervention and partnership. We’re proud to deepen our relationship with local police in Barking and Dagenham and respond directly to the needs of our community.”

The New Path project forms part of the police’s ‘Operation Nightingale’, an environment focused approach to tackling criminal activity. Research shows that children outside of mainstream education often face a complex range of disadvantages – from poverty and social exclusion to exploitation and gang grooming. These challenges are often intensified by the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing threat of youth violence, including knife crime.

There is growing concern around the deliberate targeting of vulnerable children by gangs, with reports suggesting that students are being encouraged to bring weapons into school to get excluded – placing them at even greater risk.  

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell commented: “This initiative enables us to collaborate with community partners to inspire and empower young people, guiding them away from influences that contribute to criminal behaviour or vulnerability to crime.”

Read the full story at whufc.com

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