Safer and Stronger Communities

Sefton’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership (SSCP) is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour across the borough and as part of this commitment a new campaign was recently launched.

The Informed campaign started in August 2009 and is aimed at raising awareness of the work that is being done by members of the SSCP – including Sefton Council, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and other partners – to address residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Informed is based on feedback from residents through random surveys and targeted focus groups about what they would like to know about how anti-social behaviour is being addressed. A newsletter highlighting the positive work of the SSCP was sent to more than 27,000 households across Sefton, with further copies available for pick up at the borough’s libraries and One Stop Shops, and available for download from the SSCP website.

The newsletter features information about the work of Sefton’s anti-social behaviour unit, the contribution made by PCSOs in providing a visible police presence, and the amount of activities available to young people. To support the newsletter, an ‘ad-van’ featuring key facts as a result of work by the Partnership – including an 18% reduction in incidents of anti-social behaviour in Sefton (June 2009 compared to June 2008).

The ad-van – and advertisements in local newspapers – also highlighted Sefton’s Free and Active scheme, which offers free activities for young people in the school holidays. In 2008, the Free and Active scheme seen more than 82,000 visits.

In addition, information – also featuring these key facts, as well as highlighting the Partnership website – were advertised on the back of till receipts at supermarkets in South Sefton.

Ros Gatehouse, Sefton Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Manager, said: “The Informed campaign aimed at raising awareness of the work that partners do to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour across the borough. “We consult with residents and use their feedback to establish what actions to take to address local concerns. “Sefton’s Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership (SSCP) is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour concerns and keeping residents informed about what we are doing.”

For further information about Sefton SSCP, log onto www.respectsefton.co.uk