Community Safety Partnership (CSP) winter 2023/24 newsletter

Warm Welcome

Warm welcome spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. They are a grat place to connect with your community.

As it turns colder, public buildings, community hubs and private spaces across the borough have opened their doors to help people keep warm and provide a friendly, safe and comfortable place.The offer at each venue will vary but will always include the opportunity to meet other people and have a hot drink. There may also be opportunities to have a snack or warm meal, take part in activities, learn new things and make use of free internet access. You can also access a range of information, support and guidance on issues such as energy saving, wellbeing, money and budgeting.

To find a warm welcome location near you, please visit warm welcome locations. Please check frequently as this directory is regularly updated with new locations.

If you would like your venue added to the list, please complete our warm welcome contact form.

Warm Welcome Grants

A grant scheme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support the development and sustainability of warm welcomes throughout the borough has been launched. So far, 16 organisations have applied and successfully received a grant of £1200. 

Councillor Michael Mullaney, joint chair of Hinckley & Bosworth & Blaby Community Safety Partnership, said:

"I am delighted that we can help provide grants for these hugely positive and much needed facilities.  We have seen a wide range of locations open across the borough and the positive impact they are having in their local communities and being able to access this funding will help expand their work further when it’s most important.”

You can find out more information about the fund and the eligibility criteria by visiting warm welcome grant.

Deadline for applications is 1 March 2024 or until the funding for the programme has been fully spent (whichever is sooner). 

Community Houses

Newbold Verdon craft group worked on various projects last year, including peg bags, glasses cases, scrap booking and air-dry clay.  

To help support the library, the group made Christmas gifts to sell, and donated the proceeds to the library.

The crafts are varied and often the ladies share a craft that they are skilled in. The group meets every Friday from 10am to 12 noon at Newbold Verdon Library, Main Street. There is no charge for the crafts, although there is a small charge of 50p for a cuppa. New members are always welcome and there is no need to commit to every week if you can’t make it.

To find out more, please call in to the library on a Friday or ring Rachel Duncan or Shirley Cobby on 01455 255941, or 01455 255942.

Sir Ian McKellen and the Royal Shakespeare Company praise drama group

A new drama and singing project, Grays Drama Academy based at The Meadows, has been praised for helping young thespians learn about Shakespeare whilst building confidence and learning new skills. 

The academy, which is a private business, has been supported by community house staff members. 

In a message to the group, The Royal Shakespeare Company said:

"We would like to express our admiration for the work you are doing in Leicestershire.  It is commendable and your values very much align with the work that our Learning and National Partnerships lead on.”

Football sessions to combat crime and ASB

Young people are being offered free football sessions to promote self-development and to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Funded by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner, the Premier League Kicks programme is delivered by Leicester City in the Community on behalf of Hinckley & Bosworth Community Safety Partnership. 

The sessions are run at Green Towers Youth Club in Hinckley for young people aged between 11 and 16 in term-time only. 

Project leaders are working in partnership with the local beat team to provide a consistent place for young people to meet and take part in safe, physical activities after school in their community. 

A four-week pilot programme took place at Heath Lane Academy during October. A friendly tournament was held between the young people from Heath Lane and Green Towers, which was attended by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Rani Mahal, and Councillor Michael Mullaney.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Joint Chair of Hinckley & Bosworth and Blaby Community Safety Partnership, said:

“The programme provides positive opportunities for young people to get involved in sport. More than 80 young people took part during 2022/23, with at least 30 youngsters enjoying the sessions each week. The partnership initiative has proven to be a fantastic initiative for young people to meet others in a safe and welcoming environment, build relationships with the police and have fun at the same time by playing football.

Last updated: 26/01/2024 12:13