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FUNDING: (From left to right) Inspector Lloyd Davies, of West Midlands Police; Simeon Clarke, of Birmingham Ex-Offenders Support Team (BEST); Shaun Bent, on work experience; Sergeant Ifty Ahmed, and Nakita White, of BEST

A PIONEERING anti-street crime project called ‘Get the Message Out’ has won the backing of West Midlands police officers who are giving £3,000 towards the launch of the scheme.

The aim is to get youngsters to create their own anti-crime message focusing on local young people using digital photography, radio and music production equipment at the African Millennium Centre (ACMC) in Winson Green, Birmingham.

The ACMC is also the home of popular community station NewStyle radio, which is used by local police as a way of forging links with the community.

The money has been made available through the Police Partnership Fund. Some of the funding will go towards creating a radio advertising campaign encouraging youngsters to lead a crime-free life.

Titus Dawo, ACMC project manager, said: “We’re very grateful to our partners at West Midlands Police for helping us to introduce young people to the wonderful world of digital media."

“A key aim of the project is to work with youngsters in order to bring out the creativity that exists within. Some individuals are never given the opportunity to realise this creativity and subsequently channel their energy in the wrong direction – namely street crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Sergeant Ifty Ahmed of the Soho Neighbourhood Team, who helped to secure the funding, said: “We have a fantastic relationship with staff and visitors at the ACMC and hope this funding will offer a better future for young people.”

Inspector Lloyd Davies added: “Since coming into NewStyle Radio for a regular slot on a Tuesday, I feel we have helped to build a good rapport with the community. It’s not just about delivering police messages, but giving local people the chance to talk to us and ask us about local issues.”

Phil Murphy, chairman of the ACMC said: “This funding is very welcome and will enable us to work closely with young people at ACMC. We’re very pleased to have such an excellent working relationship with local police and meet with them on a regular basis.”