Quedgeley, Kingsway and Hardwicke Community

Credit Cards “Just 4 Youth” Will Pay Dividends in Combating Anti-Social Behaviour in Gloucester

April 12 2013

Specially produced "credit cards" are set to give youngsters in Gloucester a gateway to a host of fun and interesting activities.

Police in the city have joined up with the Quedgeley Community Trust and youth centres in Quedgeley and Hardwicke to produce and distribute around 1000 of the cards, which will help inform young people of an array of clubs and opportunities on their doorstep. 

Barcodes displayed on the cards can be scanned by mobile phones, connecting the user to a regularly updated page on Gloucestershire Constabulary’s website showcasing group activities and classes for young people across the city.

The “Just 4 Youth” initiative has been launched in Quedgeley and Hardwicke but the activities are not restricted to those areas and it is hoped that by the end of the year cards will be available in other parts of Gloucester.

The scheme also supports a new outreach project focussing on the Kingsway area.

Police Sergeant Lucie Koeltgen, who had the idea for the cards, said: “We often hear young people say they’re bored and don’t have anything to do.

“This gives them the opportunity to access activities they currently may not be aware of or even thought about. And there's so much going on I'm sure there'll be something for everyone.

“Initially the cards will be available at the Q Club and Hardwicke Youth Centre and we’re going to give some to local schools, but in the long term I’m hoping we’ll roll this out much further.

“If we can show youngsters there are things out there for them I am convinced we’ll continue to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The Chair of Quedgeley Community Trust Kevin Tudor said: “It is great to be working with the police and Prospect Training Services to assist in making these innovative cards available to young people in our community.

“The cards couldn't have come at a better time as we have just launched a street work project ReachOut! on Kingsway to help find a voice and activities for young people to do to help them make the right life choices."   

Cllr Lyn Welbourne, from Hardwicke Parish Council, said: "The cards are great because they are tapping into technology many youngsters are already familiar with and want to use. Leaflets can and often do get thrown away but these cards can be kept in wallets and brought out whenever needed.

“The website will be frequently updated and when more groups hear about it and come on board I’m sure people will be surprised with the range of things going on."

Police are now appealing for activity groups to make contact with them via gloucester.lpa.communities@gloucestershire.police.uk so they can be added to the webpage.