Harold Hill Safer Neighbourhood Teams run fantastic basketball programme.

Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Harold Hill are running a fantastic basketball programme for our youths throughout the school holidays.

‘United with Basketball’ is a programme that is run by the Gooshays and Heaton Ward Safer Neighbourhood Teams.  A bid was successfully submitted through the Neighbourhoods Engagement Fund who have granted the project almost £1,000.  The main bulk of this fund is being used to provide coaching sessions using Barking and Dagenham (BAD)THUNDER, an established team that is already known in the area and provides further opportunities for youths to continue to play beyond the initial life of the project.  Additional funds are being used by officers on equipment and there will be trophies and small prizes that may be given away at some sessions.

Basketball England have also supported the project and will be donating extra equipment and Project Swish have donated six new nets which have already been installed at the court and are being put to good use by the community.

Anyone that wants to take part can simply turn up – The sessions are free to join and take place at the outdoor Basketball Court in Central Park, Harold Hill and run every Wednesday in August (subject to weather).  Participants are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for sporting activity and to bring a drink.

Under 14s – 4.30pm to 5.30 pm

Over 14s – 5.30 pm -6.30 pm

Wednesday 9th, 16th and 23rd August – Normal Coaching Sessions.

Wednesday 30th August – will be games 3v3 Tournament.

For the tournament the teams will be made up on the day, so no one will be left out, and everyone will get the opportunity to show what they have learnt.  Officers will also be taking part in the sessions and will be able to show off their skills which is hoped will be a good way to show a different side to them and help break down barriers and promote better communication with some people that may not have previously spoken with officers or had positive interactions with them.

The local police team will be on hand to discuss any issues and will also have a stall which will have crime prevention materials.  This is also supported by Havering Council and will have attendance from Parks Officers and Youth Workers at some of the sessions.

 It is hoped that this initiative helps to improve relations within the community, rebuild trust and have positive outcomes for those that attend could benefit them beyond the life of the project.  It will also show the public a different side of policing from enforcement and help to dispel negative images that are held about the police.

PC Harley who runs the project has said: “This is a good example of the local policing team working with the community.  The idea for the project was something that was actually suggested by the local community.  We have listened and developed this project in response.”

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