The Taverham Massive Youth Club has won a prestigious award for their work in tackling anti-social behaviour among young people on Friday nights.

Their work was recognised by the Home Office as one of 12 national finalists competing for the prestigious Tilley Award*.  The Taverham Massive was 2009 regional winner for the East of England.

The team was also shortlisted for a NOSCA in June in the Young Citizen of the Year category.

Working with the local parish council, youth services, schools and businesses the partnership set up a youth club for teenagers to socialise and take part in diversionary activities. 

The problem solving model SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment) was adopted in tackling the issues.

After the launch calls to police relating to anti-social behaviour dropped by 59% in 2007/08,  when compared with the same period in 2006/07.  Meanwhile, the level of criminal damage attributable to young people on a Friday night reduced from 19% to 8%.
With support from the Taverham Neighbourhood Policing Team, the young people got involved by helping to apply for funding and attended meetings in their own time to discuss ideas. They also redecorated the venue and supported it with their attendance and enthusiasm.

Supt Mike Fawcett from Partnerships Department said: “The young people involved along with the Neighborhood Policing Team, Broadland District Council and Taverham High School should feel extremely proud of their efforts. It’s a great example of how people working together can achieve results. It’s only by tackling problems together that we can make a positive difference to our communities.”

The winners of the Regional and National Tilley Awards Winners were announced at 2009 Problem Oriented Partnership (POP) conference in October.

*The Tilley Awards publicise the use of problem-oriented approaches to crime reduction and what can be achieved by tackling crime in a different and more strategic way.