Online anti-social behaviour sessions to be held in Devizes this July
Residents and businesses in the Devizes area are invited to join an online discussion on anti-social behaviour (ASB) this July.
Resolve is working with Wiltshire Council and partner agencies to host two online workshops called Bystander Intervention Training on 10 and 18 July.
The sessions will focus on what ASB is, and how ASB practitioners such as police and local authorities can deal with it. The event is the latest in the area to use the government's Safer Streets Funding, which allows local areas to choose, within the criteria, how they want to spend money to improve safety in their area.
The sessions will be an opportunity for bystanders, which is anyone who may witness ASB, to develop communication skills to effectively deal with incidents through communication to de-escalate situations and resolve conflict.
Trained mediators will host the sessions to raise awareness and help attendees to develop the communication skills they need. They will also look at why people may be involved in nuisance behaviour and how people can help identify what support could be put in place to change the ASB into more positive conduct.
The first session is on Monday 10 July from 9.30am-1pm, while the second will be held on Tuesday 18 July from 1pm-4pm. People will need access to a computer with a camera and microphone and attendees must be over 18.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: Alongside our partners and the local community we are using the Safer Streets funding to carry out specific activities that involve all ages and addresses any concerns. This latest training will provide insights into anti-social behaviour and also, where appropriate, the right approach, which can help diffuse situations.
Our Business Plan commits us to providing vibrant, well-connected communities where we feel safe and can live well together. These sessions build on those commitments and I would encourage Devizes residents, businesses and any local stakeholders who want to know more about ASB and how concerns are dealt with, to join the sessions.
Inspector Ben Huggins, Devizes sector Policing Inspector, said: We recognise that there have been some anti-social behaviour issues in Devizes recently and my officers are working hard to respond to reports swiftly and robustly.
However, this is not a problem that can be solved by police alone. We work closely with partner agencies such as the council and social services and welcome these new workshops which will help the public to know how they can work alongside us.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, which is why my office supported the Safer Streets Funding bid focussing on work in Devizes.
We know the damaging effect anti-social behaviour has on communities and as a community, we must come together to find solutions which successfully remove it from our society.
I believe the package which has been put together, which provides support for all involved through community mediation, help for parents who are struggling with the behaviour of their children and a full-time youth support worker, will benefit Devizes and make positive changes in the town.
We all need to be invested in making those changes and this course will give members of public the tools they need to effectively deal with situations involving anti-social behaviour.
Anyone interested in joining the events can email YOT_Salisbury@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
In Devizes the Home Office Safer Streets Initiative is funding activities including:
- a full-time young people's support worker
- mobile youth work provision to help young people access support and opportunities
- community mediation workshops
- parent mentors and support for those struggling with their children's behaviour in the community
- educational packages, including training for local residents and stakeholders, showing young people how to respond if they see issues within their community.
- additional CCTV in Station Road car park and key road junctions to provide reassurance to the public