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The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has provided funding for the Ackers Centre to put on free outdoor activities for young people during the summer holidays.

Earlier this year David Jamieson announced an investment of £600,000 to provide activities for young people and to reduce violence and the club has received over £36,000 from this fund.

The PCC is investing hundreds of thousands of pounds to reduce the risk of young people in the West Midlands committing and being victims of violent crime over the summer holidays.

The Ackers Centre is engaging with young people aged 14-18 in a 6 week programme.

The sessions run every day from the 22 July to the 23 August from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

The club provides young people with the opportunity to get involved in Climbing/abseiling, skiing, canoeing/kayaking, archery, bushcraft, tubing and disc golf.

The project gives young people particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds access activities which they may not be able to otherwise access.

The aim of the initiative is to get young people engaged in activities so that they can make a positive difference in their community.

The scheme is focuses on personal development, building skills such as communication, leadership and team work. This will give young people the confidence to make positive choices in their lives.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “The rise in violent crime across the country and here in the West Midlands has been well documented. The region has seen an 85% rise in knife since 2012.

“I am investing over half a million pounds to provide diversionary activities for young people in the West Midlands.

“The Ackers Centre is an excellent example of project which is helping get young people off the streets and giving them a positive alternative and reduce violent crime.

“The centre is providing great opportunities for young people to make new friends, learn new life skills and make a positive contribution to their local community”.

Sue Macbeth from the Ackers Centre said: “Each day throughout the summer up to 60 young people aged between 14 & 18 have been given the chance to take part in adventure at The Ackers.

“Activities included climbing, canoeing, archery, skiing, tubing and disc golf.

“The scheme, funded by the PCC, was not just about having something to do, it was a chance to meet new people, work with different abilities, overcome challenges and show them a positive alternative to being involved in violence”. 

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