PRESS RELEASE

PCSP Small Grants Programme 2024-25 NOW OPEN

The PCSP Small Grants Programme 2024-25 is open for applications.

The PCSP small grants programme has been developed to provide organisations with up to a £999 grant to organise a project or event that will help prevent, reduce, address crime and help people feel safer in their own communities.
Grants of up to £999 are available towards eligible costs and groups may be limited to one successful PCSP grant application per year depending upon the level of demand.
Organisations must be from within or operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. For the purposes of this programme, only formally constituted organisations which are not-for-profit that are open, accountable and representative of the geographical area which they service and which promote and enhance Community Safety can apply. Such as Community and Voluntary organisations within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. Please note NI wide groups can partnership with local groups to apply for this grant.

Applications should be submitted online at https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/
More detailed Guidance notes on completing the application online is provided on the following web-site - https://causeway.eformz.info/

Causeway Ciast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership
 

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP wins top award for campaign shining light on disability hate crime!!

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is delighted to have scooped a coveted award for its campaign to raise awareness and increase education about disability hate crime.
The Partnership clinched the top accolade in the PCSP category at PSNI Problem Solving in Partnership Awards, which took place at Belfast Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office yesterday evening.
The PCSP wants to encourage society to speak out against disability hate crime and support those affected to report what has happened to them. Working alongside the PSNI, local disability charities and the Hate Crime Advocacy Service, the PCSP developed an awareness raising animation, with a particular focus on young people.
Congratulating the officers and PCSP members, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: "After having two projects make the final 4 shortlist, it was great to see Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP take home 1st place for their campaign aimed at tackling disability hate crime.
“This is a well-deserved award for all their hard work supporting people with disabilities, and is also a sign of some of the great work carried out throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens area by the PCSP."
A recent consultation highlighted that people living with a disability said they would feel safer if others were more educated about disabilities, while 63% of carers said that increased education and awareness about disability hate crime is needed.
 

Heres a quick look at some of the programmes Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP run thoughout the year:

Graffiti Removal Scheme

This scheme helps maintain a graffiti-free environment throughout Causeway Coast and Glens by enabling prompt action to remove graffiti.

On receipt of reports from PCSP members, police, elected representatives, council staff or residents, a check is carried out to determine ownership of the property or site and asses if it is the responsibility of a statutory partner or falls under the remit of the PCSP Scheme criteria. Once established, removal is actioned or a referral made to the appropriate partner.

To report any graffiti please email: pcsp@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk 

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch, a partnership between local communities, the Police and PCSPs, aims to help people protect themselves and their property and reduce the fear of crime. Schemes create effective communication between residents and the police, with local coordinator’s acting as a primary point of contact.

Regular contact was made with Coordinator to ensure that they were up to date with support and crime trends, scams, information on support such as crimestoppers. All Neighbourhood watch coordinators were invited to take part in crime prevention training carried out by the Police Crime Prevention Academy.

Two editions of the Neighbourhood watch newsletters were circulated throughout the year. 

2 Fast 2 Soon - Road Safety Educational Programme

PCSP have joined forces with the PSNI and NIF&RS to drive home the importance of road safety at events right across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough council area.

A number of road traffic collision demonstrations are played out throughout the year.

The events also featured the PCSP’s car crash simulator and the primary objective is to encourage better driving and a safer approach to getting behind the wheel.

Accident demonstrations  (RTC Demos) are a powerful way to share the road safety message where PSNI and the NIFRS are key partners. 100% positive feedback received from these different events.

Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS)

Since the inception of PCSPs in 2011, every public meeting has had a significant focus on speeding and dangerous driving throughout the Borough.   Based on this need CC&G PCSP researched and purchased 4 mobile SID units for deployment throughout the Borough in 2017, with further units purchase since then, there are now 8 trailer mounted units, with further developments 2024/25.  SIDs are primarily mounted upon sign poles which created significant challenges for Roads Service resulting in CC&G PCSP having to develop this innovative solution.    By mounting the SID units on trailer’s they became mobile which allows maximum flexibility in responding to need and complaints of speeding. These mobile units are available on request from anyone within the local community and are placed for a period of approximately one month, allowing a firm baseline of data on which to build on.   The trailers act as an awareness raising source and promote the work of the local PCSP.  These devices notify drivers of their speed whilst recording the data but not punishing any offences, educating road users to slow down.   The data can also be used to challenge Road Services on the need for road calming measures.   It also allows intelligence led Police speed enforcement operations at recorded evidence based peak times, which in turn will show the community that the Police are doing their jobs effectively and increase confidence in Policing.   Therefore, utilising the PSNI limited resources more efficiently and increasing road safety. 

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP Disability Project

The PCSP worked closely with the PSNI, local disability charities (Disability Action, Mencap Autism NI and Causeway Neurodiversity), and the Hate Crime Advocacy Service to plan and develop a disability hate crime awareness raising project, with a particular focus on young people.

A recent PCSP consultation highlighted that people living with a disability said they would feel safer if others were more educated about disabilities while 63% of carers said that increased education and awareness about disability hate crime is needed. 

Over the last 2 years, the PCSP has hosted training courses on Makaton and Learning Disability Awareness with participants gaining a better understanding of the needs of others.  The PCSP are also keen to encourage society to speak out against Disability Hate Crime, and support those affected to report what has happened to them.

Through a PCSP consultation, it was clear that that many people with disabilities would feel safer if their needs were better understood so there is a clear requirement for increased education and awareness raising.

The PCSP and partners agencies wanted to highlight what disability hate crime is, the impact it can have, where to find support and how we all have a role to play in helping others live peacefully without fear.

In 2022 an awareness raising animation was created. This can be found on:

Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/811246149 

You tube - https://youtu.be/MFb3cjqAqN4

PCSP along with partners agencies engaged with another disability hate crime organisation in Scotland and as a result have developed a lesson plan for use in schools and youth settings. The lesson plan is due to be launched during 2024 hate crime awareness week.

The PCSP also worked closely in 2023 with the Council’s Good relations team to plan develop and organise a living library event called Who are WE? Which took place during hate crime awareness week in October 2023. This event enabled members of the public to come and listen to the lived experience of people from a range of diverse backgrounds and hear about how experiences of hate crime impacted them. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions to speakers and support agencies find out how to access support.

The Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP’s disability project was the winning project in PCSP category of the PSNI Problem Solving Awards 23/24

Domestic Abuse

The police's role is about prevention, protection and prosecution – to prevent further violence, to protect the victim, children and other vulnerable people and to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. They work closely with statutory and voluntary partners, to ensure the victims get the help they deserve, to highlight the issue of domestic abuse and to explore ways in which we can keep communities safer.

Domestic abuse is a major problem with PSNI receiving calls every 17 minutes in Northern Ireland. It takes a victim to be generally abused 34 times before reaching out for help. 

There are dedicated domestic abuse officers across Northern Ireland to ensure that all domestic abuse crimes are investigated, whilst providing support and information to victims about police procedures and legal proceedings.

Domestic abuse cannot be dealt with solely by the police and it is important that the partnership work continues in order to highlight the issue of domestic abuse and explore ways in which we can all make our communities safer. The PCSP also works closely with Women’s Aid in relation to the support offered to victims and early intervention in schools.

Domestic abuse and stalking support equipment  

Domestic abuse and stalking support equipment are purchased by the PCSP and issued to individuals at high risk via PSNI to protect, increase confidence, deter attack and gather evidence to support prosecution. These items included: CCTV, Door bracers, personal panic alarms etc

“The equipment is issued to Domestic abuse victims of high risk of death/serious nature and therefore the Victims all report 100% for better off when equipment issued. The PSNI hold stock of this PCSP equipment and can issue these immediately where appropriate.”

Domestic Abuse Extra Support Hours

Over a thousand crimes are reported in relation to domestic violence in a year in CC&G. These affect entire families. People who return to violent situations face risk of further abuse.  There is evidence that children familiar with abuse are prone to accepting abusive behaviour. Supporting victims to change their situation is vitally important.

Causeway Coast and Glens PSNI reports of domestic abuse incidents and crimes have increased steadily.

CC&G PCSP want to ensure that vulnerable persons experiencing Domestic Abuse can access the support they require without having to wait a disproportionate length of time due to high volumes of people accessing services. That victims can have access to equipment to protect, increase confidence, deter attacks and gather evidence to support prosecution where appropriate. Provide education on healthy relationships as an early intervention

Causeway & Mid Ulster Women’s Aid receive funding from the CC&G PCSP for extra support hours for victims of domestic abuse within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough area.

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP Safer Home Scheme

Safe Home is a multi-agency partnership project whereby police refer victims of crime and those who are vulnerable are referred by social workers, family members, older persons groups as well as self-referrals.

Safe Home has beneficiary selection criteria to ensure that the service is targeted at the most vulnerable. The project is delivered by Causeway Older Active Strategic Team (C.O.A.S.T) across the council area.

The project is delivered via a bespoke home visit where an assessment is undertaken in respect of security needs and participants have the opportunity to have appropriate equipment installed. 100% of those vulnerable or isolated people that have received this service feel it has had a dramatic impact on their lives. This has given them the confidence to feel safe in their own homes.

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership aims to keep young people safe online

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has partnered with several organisations to develop a resource pack aimed at supporting young people with online safety and mental health.

Working jointly with the NSPCC, the Northern and Western Health Trusts and the Education Authority, the PCSP has launched “Cyber Safety in an Online World”, a toolkit that addresses topics such as:

· Suicide, mental health, and self-esteem

· Online bullying

· Gaming and gambling

· Sharing and receiving inappropriate images

· Where to get support

The resource, aimed at 10–12-year-olds, is intended to be used by a range of organisations, such as in schools or youth groups. It provides animations, lesson plans and other supporting resources designed to support young people in need.

Each topic is a standalone lesson broken into sections. The full resource can be taught as a series or as individual lessons. If an issue arises within a school or youth setting, then a teacher or facilitator can use the resource, open that particular section and complete the lesson accordingly.

Welcoming the new toolkit, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glen, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “This is an adaptable and flexible resource that provides support and signposting for young people who may be dealing with these issues.

“The online world is forever changing, however the advice for staying safe remains the same. Council hopes that this free resource will provide clear guidance in an area that can be overwhelming and challenging.”

Please find the link for the resource and for each animation videos below:

https://view.pagetiger.com/online-safety-and-mental-health

Animated Videos

Mental Health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Hm9LwNbv0
Online Bullying - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tadhuuppIU
Gaming and Gambling - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Oa-P5uMJB4
Inappropriate Images - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4mjCmtFufs
Where to get support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbAzRjCS1fs  
 

PCSP - Crime Prevention

The PCSP provided crime prevention equipment to the Crime Prevention Officer who carries out an average of 12-14 weekly visits (Visits vary from domestic abuse victims, senior citizens, housebound, victims of crime and people feeling vulnerable to crime).

Items are also provided to members of the public through PCSP members, community engagement activities. Members of the PCSP attend many community events to highlight their role as PCSP members and listen to community concerns around policing and community safety. They also take the opportunity at these events/meetings to distribute crime prevention items and literature.

PCSP representatives, the local crime prevention officer and local neighbourhood police officers host information stands across the Borough, in various supermarkets and in the Causeway Hospital.  The high footfall of such locations means that PSCP and PSNI are able to engage with many members of the public and share crime prevention advice, information and practical resources (personal alarms, fraud rollers, RFID cards, Purse chains etc).

As part of the Crime Prevention Project Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) also hold crime prevention training sessions within the borough.

These well attended training sessions offer residents of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough the opportunity to learn more about the Principles of Crime Prevention Principles, the appropriate security products for residential settings, how to carry out an effective home security survey and information on cold calling and current scams.

Policing and Community Safety Partnerships

PCSPs (Policing and Community Safety Partnerships) aim to make our community safer.

They are statutory bodies established under the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and they are funded jointly by the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

There are 11 partnerships, one for each council area.

Each PCSP has a Policing Committee, to take forward specific police monitoring and engagement functions, with the wider PCSP taking forward community safety related functions.

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP has 10 political members and 9 independent members.

Political Members: 

The current Chair is: Cllr Brenda Chivers

Cllr Philip Anderson

Cllr Ciaran Archibald

Cllr Stephen Callaghan

Ald Mark Fielding

Cllr Dawn Huggins

Cllr Darryl Wilson

Cllr Leanne Peacock

Cllr Richard Stewart

Independent Members: 

Miss Leanne Abernethy

Mrs Patricia McQuillen

Mr Adam Campbell

Mr Gerorge Duddy

Ms Yasmin Geddis

Mr Shane Laverty

Mr Graham Maze

Ms Mary McCrea

Mr Alan McLean

What we do?

Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP aims to make our community safer. We do this by focusing on the policing and community safety issues that matter most across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.

We:

• consult and engage with the local community on the issues of concern in relation to policing and community safety. The Policing Committee has a distinct responsibility to provide views to the relevant district commander and the Policing Board on policing matters;
• identify and prioritise the particular issues of concern and prepare plans for how these can be tackled;
• monitor - a Policing Committee comprising the political and independent members will monitor the performance of the police and work to gain the co-operation of the public with the police in preventing crime; and
• deliver a reduction in crime and enhance community safety in our area, directly through our own interventions, through the work of our delivery groups or through support for the work of others.

Getting involved

Community involvement is vitally important if we are to really deliver a safer society for all. Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP is keen to hear your views.

We will consult with those living and working in the borough, to find out your views on crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as local policing.