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SNG launches Positive Pathways Programme to improve community safety in Basingstoke

• 5 min read

SNG (Sovereign Network Group) and partners have launched a new programme from its Positive Pathways Network aimed at making communities safer across Basingstoke and Deane.

Inspired by conversations with young people, the Positive Pathways Network was launched by SNG in January 2024, with partner agencies including Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

As a partnership that works collaboratively with community groups and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Violence Reduction Unit, SNG aims to deliver and embed preventative, proactive and reactive approaches to anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence, joining resources across our partnership to deliver community safety and positive pathways for young people, their families and the wider community.

Young people will be an integral part of the programme and SNG will launch a youth panel which, once formed, will assist in being the voice of the network and help to shape the activities and opportunities to be delivered in the community and its impact. If you are a young person (aged 16-25) living in Basingstoke and would like to get involved please, email community.investment@sng.org.uk Young people joining the panel will be mentored, trained and supported to share their experiences and learning with other young people and professionals as well as helping co-design our strategy and campaign to reduce serious violence in our communities.

SNG is also delighted to introduce our Positive Pathways Fund, for initiatives that reduce serious anti-social behaviour and crime affecting young people in communities across Basingstoke and Deane.

The fund will award grants of up to £5,000 for targeted interventions and activities developed by the local community and young people with lived experience, including positive diversionary activities, support programmes for parents and families, skills-based training and specialised support services among others.

For full details about the fund, please read our Fund Guidance. SNG will host an information webinar about the fund on Monday 21 October at 3pm. Interested groups can book places here  and the deadline for applications is 15 November 2024 at 5pm.

Marta Rios, Community Investment and Partnerships Manager at SNG said: “Anti social behaviour issues, knife crime and serious violence can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and the wider community. SNG is committed to using a multi-agency approach to ensure community safety and support our communities at an earlier stage, engaging positively with them and proving them with a holistic package of support, meaningful opportunities and positive pathways. We are excited to see how this programme develops and evolves and are looking forward to sharing any learning within our housing peers and other sectors. Community organisations and support services working with families and young people involved in and/or affected by violence in Basingstoke are now welcome to apply for grant funds of up to £5,000 to run projects and programmes that meet the programme objectives.”

Inspector Charles Ilderton of Hampshire Police said: “I am thrilled to be a part of the Positive Pathways Network and excited to have contributed during its planning stages. Basingstoke Police are fully committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, and this initiative will strengthen that commitment by fostering a coordinated approach with our key partners."

Schools will also play a vital part in the Positive Pathways Programme. Artswork in partnership with BearFace Theatre, will deliver an innovative educational programme called CHOICES which will engage school teachers and young people aged 9-12.

Using drama techniques, the programme specifically explore the risks and impact of knife crime, the dangers of exploitation and other violence and will empower young people to find their own solutions, enabling them to build positive, healthy relationships and respond appropriately to potentially challenging situations throughout their lives. CHOICES has been commissioned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Violence Reduction Unit and will be accessed by primary and secondary schools across Hampshire. 

Young people completing the CHOICES programme will also be provided with the opportunity to become agents of change within their communities and receive the resources and funding needed to raise awareness and lead on their own social action campaigns aiming to raise awareness on the impact that knife crime and serious violence can have on young people, families and the wider community.

Chief Executive of Artswork, Louise Govier, said:

“At Artswork, we believe in the power of arts and creativity to shape happier and healthier children and young people. We are delighted to be bringing this innovative new programme to schools in Hampshire, using drama techniques to empower the young people involved to make informed choices. If you’ve explored different options and their possible consequences and rehearsed making positive choices within the safe environment of a supportive creative session, you develop experience that can help you in real life situations. We look forward to working with many young people and teachers over the next two years.”