Ospreys in the Community’s TACKLE After Dark programme is already making an impact in Bridgend and Maesteg, despite only starting in October.
Calls around anti-social behaviour to South Wales Police have dropped dramatically over the last few months, with Bridgend reporting 57 calls over the month of January 2024 compared to 172 in June 2023.
Maesteg saw a similar drop in anti-social behaviour calls, with 41 in January compared to 148 in June.
TACKLE After Dark utilises rugby drop-in sessions in various urban locations at Bridgend and Maesteg, including car parks and other open areas. The project tackles anti-social behaviour head-on through positive engagement, whilst fostering stronger connections within the community.
Speaking on the success of the programme, OitC Foundation Manager, Nick White, said: “We’re thoroughly enjoying working with South Wales Police and Bridgend Youth Support Service on the programme and we are really pleased with the impact that the TACKLE After Dark programme is having in the Bridgend Area. The numbers are staggering from the report - to see anti-social behaviour calls decreasing as much as it has is really promising and we’re glad that we can play a part in that.
“Young people just need a spark to ignite their potential. We feel that giving them something cool to do in the evenings is now changing their mindsets and we’re seeing their energy transform into positivity.
“We’re very much excited for what the future holds for this programme.”
