PCC visits new SPARX store

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston has praised the ‘far-reaching’ impact of a youth project providing opportunities for young people to work and learn retail skills in Peterborough.

 

The Commissioner visited the SPARX store in Queensgate Shopping Centre which received funding secured by his office.

 

SPARX (Sport. Participate. Art. Recycle. Xcel.) is a charity that offers recreational, sports, arts, and leisure opportunities for children, young people and adults in the community.

 

The charity was set up to give young people employment and sports opportunities through a professionally run chain of charity sports shops staffed by employees and volunteers.

 

The funds raised through the stores are reinvested into sports participation projects, giving young people further opportunities to gain confidence, boost self-esteem and improve their mental and physical health, while also steering them away from being drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour.

 

The project is part of the multi-agency Alliance initiative in central Peterborough – a community-focused campaign to regenerate areas of the city identified as being disproportionately impacted by crime.

 

The scheme sees agencies such as Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Peterborough City Council, and other public sector organisations working in collaboration with faith centres, education providers and voluntary and community groups.

 

By working in partnership with agencies and the local community, the initiative aims to develop long-term solutions to issues, make the area less attractive to criminals, and build a better future for areas impacted by crime.

 

Darryl said: “I’m really proud of our partnership with SPARX and the wider Alliance network in bringing this project to fruition in Peterborough. The store will provide opportunities for young people to gain the experience and skills they need to secure employment and develop the confidence and self-esteem that are vital for personal growth.

 

“This project demonstrates collaboration at its best and highlights the importance of working in partnership with local communities and other agencies to address issues such as violence and serious organised crime that make our neighbourhoods unsafe and increase the risk of harm.”

 

Inspector Sam Tucker, from Peterborough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We have been working hard, alongside our partner agencies, to improve the city for our communities as part of Alliance which is not only about reducing crime and protecting people, but improving people’s quality of life and creating opportunities for them.

 

“This latest initiative is a really positive step for the city and opens up opportunities for many people.”

 

SPARX has been successfully providing opportunities to young people in other areas of the country.

 

Alongside improving access to low-cost sporting goods, the charity also works with other agencies to improve young people’s prospects and close the revolving door of crime.  

 

Lance Haggith (OBE), Lead Trustee at SPARX Charity, said: “We are honoured to welcome Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston to SPARX and deeply appreciate his support for the vital work we do.

 

“This visit also celebrates the incredible collaboration between SPARX, Peterborough Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, and local community leaders. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for young people and driving positive change. Commissioner Preston’s endorsement, alongside the continued support from our partners, highlights the significant impact of these initiatives, and we look forward to further strengthening these collaborations to transform lives.”

 

The Commissioner has invested government funding into a series of youth-driven projects to tackle vulnerability and to reduce the risk of young people engaging in serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

 

It follows the introduction of the ‘Serious Violence Duty’ in January 2023 which requires organisations to work together to reduce and prevent serious violence by focusing on the root causes of offending as part of a ‘prevention over cure’ strategy.