Imagine a youth club on wheels, that’s what Tyneside Outdoors has been busy bringing to Temple Park in South Shields using £5k in funding through my Operation Payback scheme. 

Payback uses cash seized from criminals and channels it back into community causes. In this case, it’s funding the Temple Riders project. Activities range from riding bikes to repairing them and even finding them new homes. These kids get to socialise and learn a load of new skills. It’s free, it’s accessible, it’s outdoors. It's really impressive. Kids who are kept busy are kept out of trouble.

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Over the summer there's also been a lot of targeted activity across our public transport, funded through my Violence Reduction Unit. This work is to support Northumbria Police and prevent crime and ASB. Ultimately, it’s about giving kids positive opportunities.

I went to South Shields Interchange the other night to find out more about the work that's been happening to engage with young people. It was great to see this youth engagement in action. Thanks to South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Youth Service, Tyne and Wear Metro, Inspire, Edge NorthEast and all involved.

POLICE OFFICER RECRUITMENT
I know people want to see more officers on the streets, we all do. The Chief Constable and I are determined to do all we can to maintain an efficient and effective police service because that’s what local people deserve. In Northumbria, we’re continuing to smash government recruitment targets and we are now in our final week of our latest police officer recruitment drive - with only a few days left to apply. Northumbria Police is looking for people from all walks of life to bring a range of experiences and skills who have the desire and ambition to make a difference to the communities they serve. So, if you or someone you know fancies joining #TeamNP as an officer before March 2023 then search 'Northumbria Police careers'.