Under the Bridge has had a profound impact on the local community, creating a safe, welcoming space for young people to have fun, learn, volunteer, and connect.
Milford Youth Matters’ Under the Bridge project is a targeted detached Youth Provision for young people aged 11+ from the community of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, delivered in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven. The project aims to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), improve public and community safety, and challenge negative perceptions of young people. Delivered each Friday evening during the summer holidays – a time when there is no statutory youth service open access provision – it provides participants with engaging activities in a safe environment. The project uses detached youth work methodology, with activities delivered in an area where young people regularly congregate.
In 2024 more than 220 individuals participated in the programme, taking up the chance to try new sports and physical activity, alongside creative activities including art and media and volunteering opportunities. With equality of access a primary concern, the activities and delivery are designed to meet the needs of every young person who wishes to access the service.
Under the Bridge’s approach combats ASB in two ways:
- By proactively and positively engaging young people in diversionary at times when ASB is likely to occur.
- By supporting them to develop a broader skill set and to become more active citizens, including through signposting to other youth service activities available through the year – thereby decreasing the likelihood that they will commit ASB in the future.
The location of the Under the Bridge project is key to its success, taking activities directly to the area where young people frequently gather and are therefore familiar and comfortable with. As well as enabling young people to openly and proactively engage with the offer, and guiding them away from areas which are anti-social behaviour hot spots, the public nature of the project has also allowed the wider community to witness participants’ positive engagement, helping to break down negative perceptions about young people.
Staff at Milford Youth Matters have continued to develop links and promote the project with a variety of groups who work with young people, including the local secondary school and neighbourhood policing teams to further increase its reach and impact.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
