AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people in Bournemouth safe.
Running from 3rd-9th July, ASB Awareness Week 2023 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events all across the UK involving councils, police forces, housing associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
The CST is delivering Premier League Kicks sessions and working with the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner to mark the return of ASB Awareness Week for 2023.
Recent YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that almost one in five people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; one in ten have actually moved. Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a victim or witness of ASB did not report the ASB.
AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust is urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at the local council, or to the police if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.
The Community Sports Trust is committed to delivering the Premier League Kicks programme for a minimum of ten hours a week, providing free football activities in Bournemouth, Poole, Verwood and Christchurch.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner recently visited a Premier League Kicks session at Vitality Stadium, highlighting the partnership between the two organisations and the commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour in this area.
Head of community Steve Cuss told afcb.co.uk: “We strive to make all our community sessions as inclusive as possible.
“Reducing ASB and creating a positive culture and environment for the enjoyment of all is very important for the benefit of all our participants.”
Rebecca Bryant OBE, chief executive of Resolve, added: “ASB is not low level. It can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.
“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.
“We are delighted that AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit www.resolveuk.org.uk.
