Fifty young people are on the Chance for Change core at risk register which is reviewed every six months. Partnership working with the local police means that if they are involved in anything which requires police action, the Programme Co-ordinator is notified so more targeted intervention can be introduced.

In all 299 young people have taken part in the initiative - 264 of them have been involved more than once. They have implemented 29 different kinds of sports-related interventions including football, go-karting and sailing. They work alongside several local schools and groups and have maximised delivery through innovative partnership working.

The activities are linked to an education and training programme. Sessions are run as interactive workshops and they address healthy lifestyles issues, social responsibilities, community awareness, drug prevention work, sexual health, personal development, training
and education/employment options.

Many of the young people attain awards (schemes include the Mayor’s awards, junior sports leader awards and the Duke of
Edinburgh awards) which lead to increased confidence and self esteem

Positive Futures in the North East has really made a difference to young people's lives. It respects young people - helps them widen their horizons and achieve their potential with opportunities to gain accreditation across a wide range of schemes as well as expanding their personal and vocational horizons
Does it work?

Police at Southwick have reported a reduction in youth disorder of 59% as a result of Chance for Change sessions are taking place. The community police team have looked at disorder calls on Wednesday nights both before and after the sessions started.

“It’s clear evidence that the sessions are helping to make a difference, “ said PC Andy Taylor.

In general, the dramatic fall in youth disorder during holiday periods could perhaps, in part, be explained by the increase in the provision of activity during these periods. But the general reduction (57%) in Youth Disorder should, in part, be contributed to the change in attitude and outlook of the young people in Southwick who have, through the 'hook' of sport gained in confidence and self esteem and decided that they can achieve and do want to get on.
Case Study

A dad who died from drinking too much, a history of exclusion from school, run-ins with the local police...17-yearold Steve from Southwick knows he'd be in jail today if it wasn't for the encouragement and support he gets at Chance for Change.

It's class coming here. I'd be getting into trouble if I wasn't here - God knows what I'd be doing outside. I've been in trouble for being drunk and disorderly - I had a lot of cans. I'm on the dole - I've got no exams I stopped going to school in Year 11. I got kicked out for being a bad boy - I swore at the teachers all of the time. I did a personal development course but it didn't help.

I used to live at home. My dad died three years ago - he drank a lot of cider and something was wrong with his liver. I never saw much of him anyway - he was always out so it didn't bother me that much. I live with my nana now - my mam moved away.

I've been coming to Southwick Sports Hall since I was seven. It helps me. Sometimes the police have come to my door and they've said I couldn't have done it - I was down at the hall.

All my mates come here - I'm at the hall every day. I know I'd be in jail now if it wasn't for this place. A lot of my mates would as well."