The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, visited the 24th Birmingham Scout Group to see how his investment of £2,955 from his Active Citizens Fund into building improvement and grounds maintenance, has helped young people in the area.
Renovations included upgrading of the main hall and kitchen areas, repairs to the building exterior and clear up of the outdoor area.
Investment by the Police and Crime Commissioner has benefitted members of the group and has helped attract more young people to get involved.
The project was funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Active Citizens Fund, a scheme which invests money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and is awarded to groups which will make a positive difference to the community.
It can’t be used to pay for police additional police officers as the fund varies from one year to another.
Addressing the recent repairs, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “It is encouraging seeing how the Active Citizens Fund benefits the local community, as well as giving young people something productive and challenging to get involved with.
“Engaging young people in the group reinforces my objective to create opportunities for them to succeed and become more active citizens, diverting them from criminal activity and helping their communities thrive”.
Speaking on the effect the project has had on the group, Sharon Trevis, Group Scout Leader said: “Being part of an organisation such as the Scouts helps to give our future generation the opportunity to be happy, healthy and achieve their full potential, enabling them to participate in, and develop skills for life.
“The improvements we have been able to make thanks to the Active Citizens Fund will offer our young people a safe, clean and pleasant environment”.
The voluntary organisation, founded in 1907 is located in Greet and is among the oldest Scouting groups in Birmingham. The group includes members from 5 to 18 years who are part of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. The groups are ran by a dedicated leadership team who give up their spare time to run evening meetings, facilitate fundraising activities and organise weekend or week camp trips.
Before: Prior to renovations made
After: Upgrading of the building exterior
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