Move the Goalposts(MTGP)is a multi-partnership education and diversionary initiative targeting ‘hot spot’ areas throughout South Lanarkshire utilising football as a ‘tool’ to divert young people with ‘chaotic lifestyles’ aged between 12-25 years from gang participation, acts of violence, antisocial behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse whilst encouraging young people, parents and residents to help create animproved sense of wellbeing in their communities. MTGP operates all year round,4 nights per week, Thursday to Sunday, from 6-10pm for a minimum of 12 weeks at each location. MTGP has been on-going since October 2008 and has exceeded all expectations.Youth related crimes and incidents within a 1 km radius have been reduced by up to 82%,withan average reduction of 48%.Attendees have gone onto participate in a wide range of alternative activities and interventions which would not otherwise have been undertaken,resulting insustained crime reductions,aiding communities to flourish by breaking down barriers, encouraging community participation and actively increasing community wellbeing.Extensive evaluation is carried out at all stages of the initiativewith attendees, parents, residents and partners to ensure maximum results.
PLANNING / · a clear rationale, defined processes and focus on stakeholder needs· contributes to organisation’s goals and addresses current or emerging challenges
Gang related violence and antisocial behaviour has proven to be a long term generational problem within South Lanarkshire which suffers from high levels ofgang-related incidentsof assault, vandalism, intimidation and thefts. Alcohol/drug misuse and the carrying of weaponsare embedded into the culture of local gangs. Numerous attempts have been made over the years to tackle this problem with limited success. Health partners indicate that surgeons regularly visit local hospitals due to the expertise gained through surgery as a result of the high number of injuries. Gang activity has an adverse affect on community wellbeing and in particular the fear of crime.
Partners agreed that targeting gangs through diversionary activity was the best methodology to make sustainable crime reductions and improve community wellbeing. An activity with sufficient ‘street credibility’was required to capture interest and break down barriers whilst acting as a viable alternative to gang participation,resulting in the erodingof emotional or psychological holds that gang participation hasover members. Previous attempts to tackle the problem were examined to establish what lessons could be gained and actions that could be adopted locally.
The response was an initiative called ‘Move the Goalposts’ (MTGP).MTGP sits within the overall objectives of a ‘Safer, Stronger Scotland’and by evidencing a reduction in crime in the areas that benefit from this initiative we are contributing to the following key national objectives;
- We live our lives free from crime, disorder and danger and
- We live stronger, healthier lives.
‘Stronger Together’ is the Community plan for South Lanarkshire which highlights that health inequalities are also driven by specific harms to health including alcohol, drugs and violent activity and assaults. MTGP has contributed to the following:
- Reducing crime (particularly violent crime)
- Tackling alcohol related antisocial behaviour and disorder
- Reducing the fear of crime and increasing public reassurance
- Diverting young people from crime and anti social behaviour
Local Partnership Outcomes also include:
- Reduce number of people drinking more than the recommended alcohol levels
- Increase number of young people stating health levels as very good
- Reduce incidents of violence and anti social behaviour and its consequences
MTGP commenced in October 2008 withStrathclyde Police being the lead partner.South Lanarkshire Council, Centre Spot Development, Lanarkshire Community Justice Authority, Problem Solving Groups throughout South Lanarkshire,Lanarkshire ADP, South Lanarkshire Choose Life, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Streetbase,Regenfx Youth Trust, Universal Connections,Integrating Children Services and all local Crime Prevention Panels are actively involved either financially or through “in kind” activity. Areas are targeted for a minimum of 12 weeksallowing 16 communities targeted yearly.
DELIVERING / · implemented in all relevant areas and across all the required stakeholders· carried out in a structured and logical way , using robust and sustainable methods
It was decided by partners to target Halfway, Cambuslang as a pilot. Halfway is contained within the worst 5% of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and is the worst affected area within South Lanarkshire. Although a relatively small geographical area, 3 gangs are prominent with one being listed in the top 5 ‘gangs of concern in Strathclyde’. Many gang members cite pressures to perform within the gang arena, combined withno alternative means of not participatingwithout losing face and enduring the ‘wrath of the gang’. Binge drinking and drug use is socially accepted.Previous engagement attempts had resulted in perceived broken promises leading to mistrust amongst gang members.
Although the pilot was carried out during a severe winter period (011008-220311), 49 to 62 young people including many gang members attended nightly. Parents and residents also reported a sharp increase in community wellbeing.Older gang members assisted withcoaching of younger members and dismantling of the pitch. Analysis revealed that youthcrime within a 1 km radiuswas reduced by 34% (228- 151). From an early stage it was identified that fitnessand self esteem levels were extremely poor. Attendees began to understand the effects which alcohol/drugs had on their performance, introducing a competitive edge. Attendees openly admitted they did not want to ‘make a fool of themselves’ whilst playing and refrained from using drink/drugs for several days prior to attending. An11 a-side team known as‘Cambuslang Select’ was formed with players from all 3 gangs. On 050311 a total of 24 attendees played in the first match for against Gretna Boys Club. Over 120spectatorsincludingopposing gangs and residents attended further increasing the sense of ‘community’. On completion of the pilot, ownership for progressing the gains of MTGP was undertaken bynewly formed Youth Projects run by residents with support from partners.Theycontinues to be extremely activeto date.
Due to the overwhelming success of the pilot, MTGP was expanded to include all of South Lanarkshire. Partnership analysis would ensure that the ‘worstproblematic areas are targeted at the right times’. Activity would be co-ordinated by South Lanarkshire’s Problem Solving Groups. Funding was secured to allow MTGP to target a minimum of 16 communities each year, attending at the epicentre of problematic areaswithout the need for expensive facilities, to act as a focal point for the community to meet, exchange opinions and most notably gain a better understanding of each others needs. Following completion of activities, a full evaluation report is produced highlighting theextent of successes achieved. Extensive evaluation regularly carried out involving attendees, parents, residents and partners ensures that MTGP continues to develop and meet its objectives.A DVD was created with inputs from young people, parents, residents and partners highlighting the benefits of MTGP on the community. It allows partners to share key benefits and is used frequently at public consultation events etc.
From an early stage it was identified that fitness and self esteem levels of attendees were extremely poor. Attendeesbegan to understand the effects of using alcohol and drugs had on their health. Gang members openly admitted that they did not want to “make a fool of themselves” whilst playing and refrained from consumption for several days prior to attending. A Community League was introduced on a Tuesday evening. Funding has recently been achieved to establish what physical and wellbeing benefits are gained from attending MTGP through ‘1to1 mentoring’ utilising a sport and fitness psychologist. Their progress will be captured on DVD and by the use of a recognised Well Being Self Evaluation Tool.
INNOVATION + LEADING PRACTICE / ·Demonstrates leading practice, and is capable of replication elsewhere·Achieves genuine innovation or new ways of working
MTGP is an effective, innovative and cost effective example of partnership working. It successfully targets a notoriously difficult to reachgroup. ‘Home Office Research on Economic and Social costs of crime’ details the cost of a single act of vandalism to Health and Criminal Justice as £700, a serious assault costs £21,500, neither of these costs takes into account the emotional impact of crime on both perpetrators and victims. It costs £31703 to imprison a person for 1 year. MTGP is accepted by a number of key partnership groups as being extremely cost effective including; South Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership, Problem Solving Groups and Choose Life Steering Group. MTGP offers partners new opportunities to consult, break down perceived barriers, build important trust levels and discover why certain interventions were not as successful as first anticipated,allowing the identification of suitable interventions prior to any new funds being allocated. This insight has proven invaluable in helping to design interventions which now have an increased success rate. New partners such as Choose Life, SRU Street Rugby, Outdoor Resource Base and Badminton Scotland have become involveddue to the success of MTGP in attracting and working with young people with chaotic lifestyles resulting in increased levelsof successfulinterventions. The coaches’ experience within the football world and desired ‘street credibility’ allows them to quickly establish contact, gain trust and honour promises made whilst acting as ‘a catalyst’ forpartners.
Funding was initially highlighted as a possible barrier to success, particularly in today’s economiccrisis. To date with the ability of MTGP to target the right individuals, their responses, effectiveevaluation and successes achieved, this fear has proved unfounded with full funding achieved to date. Costs are kept to a minimum with only ‘specialist coaches’ identified as an imperative cost. Although extremely happy with the coaches, the partners revisitedand liaised with other interventions to identify if costs could be saved. All enquiriesidentified that the coaches’ experience and indefatigable enthusiasm were imperative to the continued success of the initiative and seen as cost effective. Interventions of a similar nature had failed as coaches did not have the expertise or ability to interact with the target group or achieveMTGP results.
RESULTS + IMPACT / · a convincing mix of customer and internal performance measures· clear line of sight to the delivery of better outcomes for communities
· a full range of relevant results– either already achieved or with potential to deliverover time
Every targeted area has seen a substantial reduction in youth related crime and incidents. In 2010-11 MTGP targeted 19 diverse communities. Youth related crime within 1 km was reduced by up to 82% with an average reduction of 48%. Similar levels are also being achieved this year. Reductions are not limited to the activity night but also includeother peak nights (Thursday to Sunday). On average 40-45 young people attend nightly. Parents and residents regularly attend. Their opinions of MTGP are also included in the evaluation. A small sample of recent commentsreceived are:-
‘I’ve never felt fitter. I can’t believe I was so unfit when I first came down but I suppose I didn’t know any better then. The project is the best thing to ever happen in this area. Everybody loves it and you can see the difference it makes to our community’Male Gang Member aged 21
‘We feel so much has happened for our community since Moving the Goalposts came. There has been many new faces including parents coming down to help. Nobody wants them to leave, but we know that they have to go and help other areas too’Chair, Circuit Youth Project
‘I would like to thank Tony and the Move the Goalposts team for changing my sons attitude and for helping with his problems building his confidence and giving him a chance to better his skills which without this he would not have had the chance’Parent of Dyspraxia Sufferer
Kevin O’Neill, Public Mental Health and Wellbeing Manger for NHS Lanarkshire commented “success in reaching young people, particularly men, using football as a tool, has brought a new purpose into their lives. Suicide is 7 times more likely in our most deprived communities. The New Economics Foundation identifies the 5 key elements of wellbeing as; being more active, being connected, learning new things, taking notice and giving back. MTGP impacts on all of these”
Other examples of the impact of MTGP on communities are as follows:-
- Many attendees have gone on to join local football teams and at junior and professional levels. One male is presently undertaking a sport scholarshipinAmerica as a direct result of his time with MTGP. Others have gained confidence to seek and obtain job opportunities. Others have expressed a keen interest in coaching and assisting in community activities improving connectedness and wellbeing.
- At the request of the attendees,a ‘Choose Life Community League’ was formed allowing attendees aged 16+ to form teams to participate in a weekly 7 a-side tournament, allowing 80 attendees to attend nightly, with all results going towardsleague placings. Each league lasts 6 months with play-offs for the top 6 places. This has proved extremely popular, aiding sustainability andencouraging positive interaction between opposing gang areas that wouldnormally only interact to fight.
- 38 male and female attendees completed aLevel 1 SFA Coaching qualification as part of Suicide Prevention Week 2011. This will allow them to be able to seek paid employment whilst others wish to use their new skills to the benefit of their communities. The SFA and several local partners have expressed an interest in offering employment opportunities. Several attendees expressed an interest in gaining further qualifications thus sustaining health and improving job prospects for people from deprived areas.
The main objectives of this project were to reduce the number of gang related incidents and crimes in identified hot spot areas and reduce risk taking behaviour whilst providing positive alternatives. The crime statistics for the areas evidence that crimes and incidents within a1km radius of MTGP has exceeded all expectations. It has developed into a well constructed and effective example of positive partnership,targeting young people with chaotic lifestyles and their communities that can easily be duplicated into other areas of Scotland and beyond.
COSLA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 Page | 1
COSLA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2012 Page | 1