This initial project gave £500 to each of our 11 neighbourhood sergeants. They took the stake money into their neighbourhoods and developed initiatives with it. The only conditions were an expectation to turn the money into more value than £500 and to use it to address the crime and disorder priorities identified through the local Partners & Communities Together (PACT) consultation process. Talents 1 led to a wide range of projects, mostly involved in youth activity to prevent disorder, the prevalent PACT priority at the time. The projects were diverse, exciting and big! Presentations were given in January 2008 to a panel including Assistant Chief Constable Bob Spencer, BCU Commander Jim Webster, Funding & Sponsorship Officer Sue Andrew and Local Journalist Carl Eve.

Granby Island Fireworks Scheme

Just one of the projects, the Granby Island Fireworks Scheme, illustrates the impact the scheme had on communities. The local Council matched the £500 stake money, support was gained from a local community group and the money was used to create a safe and orderly bonfire and fireworks celebration for Guy Fawkes night. In this area in previous years, there had been disorder linked to the use of fireworks and illegal bonfires.

The unique factor was that the young people in the area led the project. They undertook Health & Safety and food hygiene training, worked with the Police and Fire Brigade and managed and marshalled the event. This remarkable event took place with the same young people who had previously been the subject of disorder allegations; they wore high visibility jackets, carried clipboards, arranged barriers, prepared and served the food for the evening. These young people walked away with fond memories but also with certificates in Health and Safety and food hygiene! The event recently won the Chief Constable’s Award under the Crime Beat Scheme, presented by the High Sheriff of Devon. This project was life changing for those involved and is now an annual fixture.

The winning project

Talents 1’s winning project took the Operation Talents concept and enhanced it further, taking the police £500 and obtaining match funding from Stoke Dameral School business development fund. Sergeant Bev Havis then worked with the school to recreate the Talents concept throughout the school. Pupils invented projects to minimise crime and disorder and received prizes for their work. The winning ideas at the school were rewarded with the original stake money and these initiatives were then developed into reality. This included anti bullying schemes, sports events and others. This project won further funding from the Talents Fund for yet more initiatives within the school.