A lady who works for Prestatyn High School and is involved in various schemes to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and provide young people and their families with support, was commended for her work at a ‘Local Community Safety Champions’ reception at 10 Downing Street.
Jo Wynne-Eyton was nominated to attend the event by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies for the “sterling work” she does with, and for, children and young people in Prestatyn.
Jo started in her role, which is funded through the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools funding stream, in February, and engages with families, communities and multi-agencies to support the needs of learners at Prestatyn High School, as well as their families, and benefit the wider community.
Jo works with children from Year 7 to Year 11 and part of her role involves ensuring that there are activities outside of school hours and in the school holidays to keep them engaged and prevent them from getting involved in anti-social behaviour.
She said:
“There is a negative perception of the activity of young people. When I started in this role I looked at that and it became apparent that there is a lack of activities for young people in the Prestatyn area.
“It is important for them to have somewhere safe and warm to go, so I started working with the police and we developed a Youth Partnership, which James has engaged with.
“I have also been involved in setting up a Youth Shedz, and a core group of young people helped me to explore what to do. To date they have been involved in reading stories to primary age school children, cooking for people in the local community, and helping in foodbanks.
“These young people are working hard to leave a legacy for other young people. It is very much a youth led approach to the problem.
“I am also in the process of developing a parents’ group, which we are hoping to secure funding for through the third sector. I have spoken to some of the parents of children who have been involved in ASB and they told me they are finding it hard without support. If we are successful in obtaining funding we could set up a group for parents and families, which would provide counselling, money advice, and social prescribing services.
“I have also been involved in providing positive activities over the holidays, which are being funded by Street Games and Pears Foundation. Next summer we are planning on having two days each week - one creative and one sport.
“My role is certainly very varied, interlinked and aimed at reducing ASB on our streets by providing children with activities and opportunities. It is a fulfilling role and I am pleased it is having a positive impact on the children and the community as a whole.”
She added:
“I was completely surprised when I received the invitation to the reception at 10 Downing Street.
“I had never been before, so it was quite an occasion. What really struck me was the incredible artwork which fills the walls of Number 10, and whilst I didn’t get to meet the Prime Minister, I did catch a glimpse of him.
“I was also given a tour of Parliament and got to watch a debate, which was really interesting. It was a day I’ll always remember and I am really grateful to James for nominating me.”
James said:
“Nominating Jo for this award was an easy choice. She has done sterling work to tackle anti-social behaviour in Prestatyn and the Local Community Safety Champions reception was a great opportunity for her efforts to be recognised and celebrated.
“Keeping our streets trouble free is no mean feat and Jo, and others, are tasked with a challenging job. All the initiatives Jo is involved with though are certainly making a positive difference in the town and she is a real asset to Prestatyn High School and the wider community.”
Security Minister, Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP said:
“Jo is a real local champion, looking out for all those in Prestatyn.
“Alongside James it was a real honour to meet Jo, with police officers, members of local community groups and organisations from across the country who serve to keep our communities safe. It is their vital work and commitment which is helping tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and offer victims the support they need.”
