A partnership of Doncaster organisations has won an award for their work in dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the Frenchgate Shopping Centre in the city centre.
Frenchgate, Doncaster Council, EPIC (part of DMBC) and South Yorkshire Police Central Neighbourhood Team were awarded the Partnership of the Year Award at the recent South Yorkshire Police Doncaster District Awards.
Karen Staniforth, general manager at Frenchgate said: “It’s fantastic to have been awarded the Doncaster District Award for Partnership of the Year.
“It is incredibly important to everyone here at the Centre that it is a space that everyone enjoys and feels safe. We are at the heart of Doncaster, and we are proud to hold an important place within the community.
“Working in partnership with the Council, South Yorkshire Police and EPIC has allowed us to keep Frenchgate a safe space for all.”
While not all anti-social behaviour is perpetrated by young people, EPIC, which is a part of Doncaster Council, has been tasked to support young people who are at risk of becoming involved in offending behaviour. Marcus Isman-Egal, service manager for EPIC said: “We are honoured to have been nominated and to collect this fantastic award from South Yorkshire Police at the Doncaster District Awards Event.
“The award is in recognition of the ground-breaking partnership centred at Frenchgate supported by South Yorkshire Police, Doncaster Council and the Interchange working together to create an innovative “Safe Zone” for young people at the Frenchgate Shopping Centre.
“The EPIC Hub has provided an opportunity to engage and enable young people to have access to a safe space and to EPIC’s team of Youth Support Workers. The team have created a space where young people are able to explore the world of work and enterprise along with participating in positive activities.
“We have also created opportunities for bookable coaching and mentoring appointments for young people and small support groups enabling young people who are facing challenges or seeking to make changes for themselves access to the EPIC team.”
Lisa Bird, inspector for Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This award illustrates what can be achieved when partners work together to tackle an issue like antisocial behaviour.
“Enforcement action can only go so far, and the additional patrols, diversionary activities and education work were equally important in achieving the desired outcome.
