The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a week of activity tackling antisocial behaviour.
Anti-Social behaviour Awareness week, a national campaign initiative supported by HM Government, the Civil Service, police and fire forces, Historic England, housing providers, local authorities, and community groups.
It aims to publicise issues faced by communities as a result of ASB and how people and organisations can take action.
To mark the start of the week, Matthew visited Alternatives to Conflict, previously known as Mediation Bucks, in High Wycombe to find out how they are supporting communities to tackle ASB through their new mediation service.
It follows £60,000 of funding announcing in July for Alternatives to Conflict, which will provide a Thames Valley-wide mediation service over the next 3 years.
The service is open to referrals from a range of partners who deal with ASB cases and provides an independent mediation support service.
It also offers a solution when there is no clear course of action open to a statutory agency, representing an alternative to court proceedings and intervention by statutory agencies.
Last week, Mr Barber provided a keynote speech at the Alternatives to Conflict AGM in Aylesbury which brought partner agencies together to discuss ASB and highlight the work taking place through the Thames Valley Mediation Service.
Thames Valley Police is hosting a series of engagement activity this week, in line with the daily awareness week themes, which include visits to care homes and youth clubs to discuss the impact of ASB as well as patrols taking place in ASB hotspots.
Matthew Barber said: “To mark the start of ASB Awareness Week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Alternatives to Conflict team to find out how the mediation service that I have commissioned will provide support to communities across Thames Valley who are facing issues of anti-social behaviour.
“ASB is often one of the biggest concerns our communities will face and, although it doesn’t often have a direct victim, it can cause significant harm and distress. Mediation services provide an important tool in attempting to resolve neighbour and community disputes before they escalate.
“The introduction of a Thames Valley-wide mediation service will support our ongoing partnership work and help alleviate some of the community issues our frontline policing teams come into contact with.”
Superintendent John Batty said: “This week of action will really help to highlight the brilliant work being done across the force to combat anti-social behaviour.
“We understand the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and the community. We are focused on working with our partners and communities to create a hostile environment for those who commit anti-social behaviour.
“Mediation is another initiative that will help to reduce anti-social behaviour across the Thames Valley, alongside the intervention work undertaken by the Neighbourhood Policing teams.”
Anthea Beeks, CEO for Alternatives to Conflict, said: “Unwanted and anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. The funding we have received ensures that we can help people move forward from conflict and provide the service across the Thames Valley.”
