Intervention project to curb anti-social behaviour

Monday 8th March 2010

Riverside and One Vision Housing have teamed up with Sefton Children, Schools and Families Services to launch a £60,000 initiative in Sefton aimed at supporting families that could face eviction due to anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The Family Intervention Project aims to provide high level, intensive support to families at risk of possession proceedings, helping the family sustain their tenancy while reducing anti-social behaviour.

In addition to making communities safer by cutting anti-social behaviour, it is hoped the project will help ease pressure on local services such as the police and social services.

Brian Dimmick, Assistant Neighbourhood Manager for Riverside, said: “Our tenants have told us that the quality of their living environment is one of their central concerns so we have made ‘managing places so they are cleaner, greener and safer’ one of our corporate objectives. This means that stamping out anti-social behaviour, which can shatter lives and destroy communities, is one of our key priorities.

“We don’t like to evict but we will use it as a last resort if we have exhausted all other possibilities. The Family Intervention Project targets the most challenging families and aims to address the root cause of their anti-social behaviour, therefore putting an end to the problem rather than just moving it.”

One Vision Housing ASB Manager Paula Simm said: “This is a great opportunity to offer intensive support to families committing ASB. The intervention project will offer families a chance to change their behaviour, sustain their tenancy and improve the community.”

Michelle Wood, Strategic Director (Neighbourhoods and Customers), of One Vision Housing, added: The project is a positive initiative, which should make a real difference to tackling the root causes of anti social behaviour. It is an excellent example of partnership working.”

The project is being funded by a Think Family grant of £30,000 from the Housing Challenge Fund and £10,000 from each of the three partners.

Posted by Riverside for Riverside