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Seized money is put to good use
THOUSANDS of pounds seized from criminals will be used to help provide alternative opportunities and education for young people in Gainsborough.
A cheque for 17,000 was presented to social enterprise Young and Safe in Gainsborough (YaSig) this week from the Lincolnshire Criminal Justice Board.
Chief Constsable Richard Crompton visited the Acland Street venue to talk to some of the young people whose lives have been transformed by their YaSig experience.
”This is a fantastic project and I understand it is fairly unique that a project like this is being run as a social enterprise,” he said.
”This money comes from people who had committed crimes and it is now being pumped back into communities. It’s a great way to put something back.”
Since The Proceeds of Crime Act was passed in 2002, the police have been able to strip criminals of any assets they have acquired by breaking the law.
This money has previously been split between the police and the criminal justice system, and this is among the first projects to receive cash under the Community Cashback scheme.
Young and Safe in Gainsborough was established in 2007 and aims to provide opportunities for people aged 13 to 24 to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.
Kim Gray, a director at YaSig, spoke about the benefits of engaging with young people who may otherwise be at risk of offending, or becoming detached from mainstream education.
”We see rising self-confidence and esteem in the young people that come to us. It is about an alternative education. For me, every young person is different and a mainstream system doesn’t always suit,” he said.
”We are about being complimentary to schools and further education providers by offering something different.”
“We have young people who didn’t go to school but after coming here they return and do go to school.”
Instructor Steve Chapman runs a YaSig project where young people gain skills and qualifications in motorcycle maintenance.
”These guys turn up early for work and leave smiling, which shows that we must be doing something right,” he said.
”I’ve really built up a bond with them and it’s very rewarding getting to know them. It’s fantastic watching how much they learn and their personalities and attitudes change.”
Josh Chapman, 15, of Hemswell Cliff, is a student at Trent Valley Academy but spends three days a week with YaSig.
”I really look forward to coming here. I get up early every day and think about what I’m going to be doing at the workshop, or out on the track.”
Jak Gregory, 14, from Lincoln, also attends the motorcycle maintenance workshop at the Acland Street site once a week.
He added: ”I work with my dad sometimes and I wanted to get more experience in mechanics.”
Anyone with an unwanted motorbike that could be used for educational purposes by students of YaSig can call Steve Chapman on 01427 616146.
For more information about YaSig and the opportunities they offer, you can visit www.yasig.org.uk
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Weather for Gainsborough
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
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