YOUTH ENGAGEMENT - REDBRIDGE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICERS & LEYTON ORIENT KICKS PROGRAMME

Redbridge Safer Neighbourhood officers together with Redbridge Local Authority’s ‘Reach Out’ teamed up with the Leyton Orient Kicks program at Loxford Leisure Centre to put on a special engagement sporting event during the summer holidays. This was well attended with around 40 local teenagers taking part.

Redbridge Superintendent Clare McCarthy, her team and partners from Reach Out spent time with the young people to discuss their concerns about crime, violence in different forms and also provide crime prevention advice.  The event concluded for the young people with the opportunity to play football against the police officers and a team on behalf of Leyton Orient Kicks.

Sergeant Brian Stevens said

“This event came about following requests by the Youth Council at Redbridge.  Playing sports and adding competitive matches is one good way to engage with young people who may ordinarily chose not to speak with police.  They were able to discuss topics such as violence towards women and girls, stop & search, trust in police and listen to their concerns.  These interactions enabled the officers to show their human side, bridging the gap between police and young people and improve those relations”.