Commissioner funds project working with Youth Zones to expand prevention work across Lancashire

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has awarded funding to a new project that will expand early‑intervention and prevention work with young people across the county, delivered in partnership with local Youth Zones.

The two‑year pilot will see outreach youth workers engaging with young people in town centres and hotspot areas across Blackburn with Darwen, Chorley, and Preston up to six days a week, using specialist outreach vehicles that are utilised by the Youth Zones, such as the Street Zone Bus and the Scran Van, to provide a visible and approachable presence. The project will support young people aged 8–19, or aged up to 25 with additional needs, particularly those at risk of anti‑social behaviour, social exclusion, or disengagement from education and employment.

The Commissioner has committed £80,000 to the project over two years, using cash seized from criminals and reinvested back into Lancashire’s communities to support prevention work and positive opportunities for young people. Additional investment was also provided from proceeds of crime by Lancashire Constabulary, and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) bringing the total investment to £120k.

Once initial contact is made, young people will be supported into their local Youth Zone, where they can access safe spaces, trusted adults, structured activities, mentoring, mental health support, and pathways into education, volunteering and employment.

The project is expected to deliver around 300 outreach sessions each year, creating up to 15,000 meaningful engagements with young people. Over time, the programme aims to reduce anti‑social behaviour, strengthen community relationships, and empower young people to build confidence, skills and positive futures.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:

“Prevention is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, and this project is a strong example of how early intervention can make a real difference. By reaching young people where they are, listening to their experiences, and supporting them into safe, positive environments, we can reduce the risk of anti‑social behaviour and help them make safer choices.

“Youth Zones already play a vital role in supporting young people across Lancashire. Their approach is rooted in trusted relationships, consistent support and giving young people a sense of belonging. This funding will allow them to expand that work into the areas where it is needed most, ensuring more young people have access to the opportunities and guidance that help them thrive.

“Policing alone cannot tackle anti‑social behaviour. By using money seized from criminals and putting it back into our communities, we can support projects like this that give young people positive alternatives and help make Lancashire a safer place for everyone.”

Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault Youth Zone. Preston and former Deputy Assistant Commissioner in UK counter-terrorism policing, said:

“On behalf of Greater Lancashire Youth Zones, I want to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners for this investment. It reflects a shared understanding that long-term community safety starts with supporting young people early, in the places where they feel most comfortable and visible.

“Through my career, I’ve seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and prevention through trusted relationships. This outreach work allows us to meet young people where they are, build those relationships within their own communities and guide them towards safe spaces, positive influences and informed life choices.

“By connecting young people into their local Youth Zones, we can offer stability, opportunity and support, helping them develop confidence, skills and a real sense of belonging, while strengthening communities across Lancashire.”

David Smith OBE, LANPAC Chairman said ‘As the County’s leading Crime Prevention Charity for over 3 decades the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC) has supported the Constabulary and we are delighted to commit substantial funding to this project which is aimed at giving a large number of local young people a range of opportunities to develop into the law abiding citizens of the future’.

Chief Inspector Chris Abbott, of Lancashire Police said: “This is a fantastic initiative to reach out to and engage with all young people in our community.

“Our officers will continue to work and engage with young people across Lancashire as part of their daily duties, aided by Youth Zones.”