The JADE Project to share their best practices with European police forces

Police Constable Paul Hamshaw from Dinnington Safer Neighbourhood Team,  John Lever and Sam Oldroyd, the founders of JADE (Just Another Dance Event) have all been invited by the SELP Project (Sharing Experiences in Local Policing) to participate in their European seminar, to be held in Valencia, Spain on Thursday, 23 May.

The invitations come after PC Hamshaw put forward the JADE Project as a one of Rotherham’s best practices that can be shared throughout Europe. The JADE Project were successful in their submission and have been asked to attend and share their experiences with others from across Europe at the event.

JADE is a youth led social enterprise based in Kiveton, Rotherham. The group formed in 1999 when young residents came together after the closure of local colliery sites and there was a decline within the area.

The project began running music events in the local community centre providing DJ and music training for their peers, it has now developed a range of services that support young people, local priorities and other organisations engaging with young people.

The drop-in centre’s provide regular and consistent provision for hard to reach, vulnerable young people, many of whom are engaged in negative activities and behaviour ranging from drugs and alcohol to antisocial behaviour and violence. It also provides accredited courses, training and support to young adults with gaining employment through CV writing, job search support with covering letters, training and qualifications and signposting to other providers.

JADE works closely with the police, schools, early intervention and health services to support the most vulnerable within the community.

Engagement often results in providing alternative curriculums and one to one mentoring support to address emotional and personal issues that are barriers to participation within education and everyday life. Many of the attendees are referred to JADE by local schools, police or youth offending teams.

The project uses activities that are popular with young people such as DJ, music and media training, live events and performances, street dance, free running and graffiti art.

 There are also events that provide diversionary activities, long-term hobbies, participation with others and raise confidence, self esteem and are the catalyst for change alongside strong youth work and mentoring.

Activities and services include:

•      Dinnington outreach and youth drop-in

•      Kiveton drop-in centre

•      Harthill Youth Club

•      Detached youth work

•      One to one mentoring

•      Alternative curriculum /qualifications

•      Events and festivals

•      Volunteering

•     Advice and guidance

•     Signposting

•     Access to IT, music, dance facilities

•     Employment support

•     Healthy lifestyles

•     Drug and alcohol, antisocial behaviour, MCAT, guns gangs and knives     presentations to schools and other organisations

•     Positive activities

•     Trips and residential

•    Democracy, voice and influence – supporting young people to participate in decision making

•    Targeted provision – Hotspots for antisocial behaviour, specific projects e.g. MCAT, healthy lifestyles

•    DJ, music production, media, street dance, graffiti, free running, street magic

•    Mediation between police, schools and young people

Police Constable Paul Hamshaw said:"I have been working with JADE over the past five years and found their support invaluable. They have supported me with a number of projects over that time, giving young people positive activities at times when they would normally be involved in antisocial behaviour during the mischief period, provided support to young people involved in risky behaviours, assisted me to produce educational presentations and much more.

"The main aim of their project is to keep young people safe and out of trouble and they will do everything they possibly can to ensure that this happens. Their work has not only improved the lives of the young people that they work with but has had a massive impact on antisocial behaviour in the area.

"They ensure that messages around safety and behaviour are consistant by giving the same message as school and the police.

"I would like to thank them for all their help and support."

If anyone would like any further information about the JADE Project they can contact them via email at jadehq@btconnect.com.