UK Anti-Social Behaviour week took place between 18th -24th November, and was a very busy week for our community teams. This vital annual campaign is designed to educate, inspire and unite communities to address anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour covers a range of harmful activities that affect people’s quality of life. Examples are:
Noise disturbances
Vandalism and graffiti
Intimidation or harassement
Substance misuse in public areas
Littering or fly-tipping.
While the term is broad, the core issue is that anti-social behaviour disrupts the safety and cohesion of communities, often leaving individuals feeling powerless. ABS week provides us an opportunity to celebrate community success, and raise awareness about the impact of anti-social behaviour on individuals and neighbourhoods.
This years theme was Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities, emphasing the importance of collaboration to reduce ABS and create communities everyone can thrive in.
Here’s a snapshot of what we were involved in this week.
Dylan & Tasha Restorative HOPE Workers have been out with Restorative Justice Workers Lydia and Sam as well as Remdi Co-ordinator Harley and PCC David Allen
James from our Carlisle Hub attended Cumbria CVS networking event held at Growing Well, Egremont. He gave a quick fire presentation on the work The Well Communities do - no where near enough time to cover it!
Louise, Christian and Fiona were out talking about SaferStreets at Barrow Police Station, and answering questions about our services in Barrow and beyond.
Will and Joel were at Lancaster University today to host our new student drop-in. Students can come for a confidential chat about substance or alcohol misuse with someone who’s got lived experience themselves.
Dylan & Cameron, Restorative Hope Workers with The Well communities and Rachel from Remedi were out raising awareness around Anti-Social Behaviour.
We hope we have helped highlight how anti-social behaviour impacts everyone, addiction contributes to antisocial behaviour in many ways, but the reverse is true of recovery. Helping people achieve a healthy, happy life impacts positively on the wider community and we are proud of the part we play in that.
By addressing these issues together we reduce fear and anxiety caused by ABS, strengthen our community ties and create a safer, more welcoming space for all.