New project bridges gap between kids and police

That was the revelation made by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood last Wednesday afternoon when he travelled to Ballymena to launch ‘Ballymena Respects Individuals, Diversity Groups and Environment’ - The BRIDGE programme.

The Minister announced almost 42,000 funding for the project which is aimed at engaging the youth of Ballymena in their community and improving confidence and relationships between young people and the PSNI.

Developed by the PSNI and local community development officers, it seeks to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community inclusion and cohesion.

Launching it in The Braid, Alex Attwood said the project “can play an important part in encouraging young people in Ballymena to be self reliant and socially responsible”. He said: “Promoting these values will contribute to a reduction in levels of crime and anti social behaviour and will help enhance community spirit.

“I want to target resources in a way which has maximum impact and I want to work with communities to achieve that.

“The Neighbourhood Renewal process seeks to engage all sections of the community. My department is committed to improving the quality of life and social conditions for people living in the Ballymena area,” said the Minister.

“Neighbourhood Renewal is an essential strategy going forward. Addressing disadvantage should be the mark of our government and our budget,” he said.

Inspector Pete Bouma from Ballymena PSNI who managed the project said: “We are delighted that this project has been supported by DSD, and the initial feedback is really positive.

“Our officers have worked closely with young people in Ballymena, building relationships and discussing difficult issues such as personal responsibility and sectarianism. “Kids who previously would have had little time for police, now stop in the street for a chat and feel much more able to raise issues that affect them,” he said.