Young people receive award from Heat Basketball players

A special award ceremony is taking place in recognition of the young people who have successfully completed the Heat Prevention Programme, a scheme launched in Guildford to help equip vulnerable children to avoid a life of criminal activity.

The young people and their parents have been invited to see the Heat team in action playing basketball before being presented with a certificate on court at half time by a member of the basketball team they have been working with.

Alison Reeve, Managing Director, Heat Basketball Club said: "The scheme has been so successful and inspirational for the young people as many of the traits of being a successful sportsman equip you for life. It teaches you discipline, healthy lifestyle habits, team work and that if you want something good out of life, you have to put the effort in."

The Heat Prevention programme is the first of its kind and has been devised by Laura Budd, Prevent and Deter Youth Worker, Simeone Pickford, Prevent and Deter Parenting Working, in partnership with Guildford Heat, Crean Raftopoulos, Heat Basketball Head Coach and Alison Reeve, Managing Director.

It has been designed for young people in year 7 (aged between 11 and 12) who have shown signs of challenging behaviour that could impact on their community, and their parents.

The programme consists of three modules: 'Walk tall', 'Heighten your health' and 'Safe drink stop and think'. Each module includes a variety of different activities for young people in parallel to the parenting support group. Support and advice is given on issues such as: personal safety, self-esteem, emotional management, anti-social behaviour, community projects and the consequences of crime. The targeted work is followed by the parents and young people groups joining together to learn and develop basketball skills with a Guildford Heat player.

Each young person and their parent can take part in as many modules as they wish which helps the young person and parent look at a variety of aspects including: self image, the family unit working together through various activities and exploring the impact of alcohol on individuals and their community in a group setting.

The Prevent and Deter Scheme is funded by Surrey Police, Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council and Surrey Youth Support Service.

Guildford Councillor Fiona White, who nominated some Surrey County Council funding for the scheme, said: "Due to the continuing success of this innovative scheme we are very pleased to be able to offer further funding to help more young people."

Date: Sunday 26 February 2012

Location: Surrey Sports Park, University of Surrey, Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford
Surrey, GU2 7AD

Time: 3pm

To find out more contact Laura Budd, Prevent and Deter Youth Case Worker on tel: 07967986322 or email: Budd14496@surrey.pnn.police.uk

ENDS

Lorraine Kerswill, Tel: 01483 444210

Safer Guildford Partnership Communications Officer