East Area’s fantastic youth engagement as officers join in a game of football.

On Wednesday 20^th December East Area police officers joined Lifeline Projects and around 50 boys at Goals in Dagenham.  Officers joined a series of intense 8 a-side football matches followed by pizza and striking up conversations, listening to the concerns of local youth and their perceptions about policing.

Officers were able to talk about stop and search and how they can build trust and confidence with young people.  It was a great opportunity to listen and hear their thoughts on how local police can engage differently.

Neighbourhoods Superintendent David Rhodes told the Havering Daily:

“We are building a New Met For London where we want our communities to trust the work we are doing to fight crime, reduce anti social behaviour and keep people safe.  This week we have been continuing this by focusing on young people in Barking & Dagenham.  The aim is for these events to be less formal and build trust and confidence during sports sessions that lead to a productive session after to discuss stop and search and how police improve relations with young people.

“We want the public to trust in the work we’re doing and see how we’re fighting crime in their communities and keeping people safe. We’re building A New Met for London where communities know their local officers, help to shape their policing priorities and work with them to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour; and when they call us for help, they are satisfied with our response.”

Amy Jones from Lifeline Projects said:

“Working with the Met police tonight shows the relationship between young people and the police doesn’t have to be worlds apart.  It has been a great opportunity to get the Met down to what the boys call ‘Home’ and play football together bridging that gap”.

Lifeline Projects work with young people some have been at risk from school exclusions, serious violence or poor mental health.  Sessions run every night week night during what we call the lost hours from 4pm – 7pm, so every young person has somewhere to go, take part in free activities and stay safe keeping them away from crime/anti social behaviour.  We have mentors here and peer mentoring sessions.  Some of the boys here have been with us for years and they get to build new friendship groups.

Free sessions currently run in Barking and Dagenham:

Football Over 16’s boys 4-6pm – Wednesday’s at Goals

Football Under 16’s boys & girls 4-6pm – Friday’s at Goals

Sports incl Netball for all girls 4-6pm – Wednesday’s at Kingsley Hall

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