New safety van offers young people support

A new safety van is being rolled out across Tameside to offer young people support and to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

Tameside Council Community Safety Partnership has commissioned Foundation 92 to deliver the Mobile Youth Provision across in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, Tameside Youth Service, and other local partners.

The facility will operate out of a mobile van, which will serve as a safe space for young people to link with a support team. To encourage engagement, the unit will offer a game console, arts and crafts, and other activities.

The team at Foundation 92 will reach out and connect with young people around bus stations and town centres. The programme is flexible and will move to different areas depending on need and insights from police data.

Over a 12-month period, the programme will deliver a proactive and responsive youth work offer that addresses behaviour (ASB) in a sustainable and impactful way.

The programme will:

• Provide high-quality, place-based youth work provision to vulnerable young people across Tameside.
• Create safe and engaging environments where young people can access support, build positive relationships, and participate in meaningful activities.
• Offer opportunities for young people to learn about and engage with wider youth services available throughout the borough.
• Ensure that all interventions are designed to be sustainable, impactful, and tailored to the needs of the local community.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young people in Tameside and fostering safer, stronger communities.

Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, Cllr Stephen Homer, said: “We are so excited to introduce the Mobile Youth Provision across Tameside, as we try to address and improve ASB issues, particularly with our younger residents. This provision helps young people to make safer, more positive life choices.”

"It is vital that we engage with our younger residents early, so we can educate and raise awareness before negative behaviours begin to develop, not only for their own benefit, but also to create a positive impact on the wider community.”