Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can have a real impact on how people feel about where they live. That’s why we work closely with local partners to help understand what’s happening in our communities, support customers and take action where it’s needed.
As part of this work, Yolanda Owens, one of our housing officers, recently joined a multi-agency event in Chorley town centre. The evening was organised by the police and brought together Chorley Council’s public protection team, Preston North End, local housing providers and other partners.
The focus was on youth anti-social behaviour and how local organisations can work together to support young people, reduce risk and help make communities safer.
Yolanda regularly attends monthly meetings with Chorley Council to discuss youth ASB cases. These meetings help partners look at what support is needed, how issues can be prevented from getting worse and how young people can be encouraged to make positive choices.
Some of the concerns discussed included young people entering unsafe empty buildings, theft, verbal abuse, drug-related activity and fighting. These are serious issues that can affect the wider community, but the evening wasn’t only about enforcement. It was also about listening, engaging and helping young people find safer, more positive places to spend their time.
A key part of the evening was a visit to Inspire Youth Zone in Chorley town centre. The centre is open seven days a week and gives young people a safe and welcoming place to go. For just 50p per visit, children and young people can take part in a wide range of activities, meet others and access support.
During the evening, Yolanda and other partners spoke with a number of young people about their future plans and signposted them to Inspire Youth Zone.
Yolanda said working with partners is a vital part of her role as a housing officer.
“Housing officers play an important role in supporting customers and helping to maintain strong, safe communities. By working closely with partners such as the police, local councils, charities and support services, we can help make sure people get the right support at the right time.”
Joint working like this helps us share information, spot concerns earlier and offer more joined-up support. It also helps prevent issues from escalating, which can make a real difference to customers, families and the wider community.
During ASB Week, we’re highlighting the work happening across our communities to tackle anti-social behaviour, support customers and help make our neighbourhoods safer places to live.
If anti-social behaviour is affecting you, please report it to us here so we can help.