Bath and North East Somerset welcomed Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens on her latest out and about day, where she visited residents and projects across the local communities of Saltford, Bath and Keynsham.
During the visit, which took place on Wednesday 6th January, PCC Sue Mountstevens met local people to hear about their views on policing in the area as well as dropping in on various community projects.
The PCC began the day visiting Clover House who work to provide an affordable, integrated, triple-therapy approach for children, teenagers and their families.
The charity also works to tackle emotional, behavioural and lifestyle issues that young people might face.
Clean Slate in Bath, who support people facing barriers to employment, was the next visit on the PCC’s agenda.
Clean Slate employ long-term unemployed individuals as peer advisors helping them to support and advise other jobseekers.
Over lunchtime, the PCC visited Kelston Road Football Club to find out more about their free, social diversionary initiative aiming to provide football sessions for the local children and young people to improve their social skills and increase sport participation.
The initiative is supported by the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund and was awarded £2,415 for their efforts in aiming to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
During the visit, the PCC met Nick Dewfall who runs the Kelston Football Club sessions during Easter and Summer school holidays.
Speaking after the visit, PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I set up my Community Action Fund for initiatives like those provided by the club to help make a difference to young people’s lives.
“This project is not only great for community cohesion and bringing everyone together but that while the sessions are being run there is a reduction in ASB in the Kelston area.”
Ms Mountstevens ended the day by presenting a PCC Pride Award to ‘Crimefighter Bob’ Eastaugh to recognise his previous commitment as a neighbourhood watch co-ordinator in Keynsham.
In his nomination Bob is described as ‘encouraging resident participation through open forums to get ideas and thoughts to better serve the community’.
Talking about his award, Bob said: “It was a special day for me and my family to meet Sue and for her to hand the award over.
“I felt all the work I have done has been worth it and it was so special to be recognised for all the work I have done for the community over the years.”
PCC Sue Mountstevens has committed to spending at least one day a week in the local community and if you would like her or a member of her team to visit you, email [email protected].