Corby gym receives Commissioner grant to steer young people from anti-social behaviour
A Corby based gym project designed to help reduce anti-social behaviour has received a grant from Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.
Run by The Cali Lab, the calisthenics-based gym offers dedicated sessions to young people and a safe space to learn and practise workouts with the help of professional coaches.
Sessions run weekly with 25 children aged between 12-16 given the opportunity to take part in structured workout sessions, with the most dedicated young people gaining a free full gym membership.
The project has been awarded £10,000 through Danielle Stone’s Safe and Sound Communities Fund – a scheme that awards money to initiatives that support Danielle’s Safe and Sound Plan.
As well as giving young people an avenue to develop new skills, the sessions aim to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and help ease demand on Northamptonshire Police.
The partnership between Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone and The Cali Lab started during the summer with The Cali Lab providing free sessions in Corby Town Centre as part of an anti-social behaviour crackdown.
The sessions took place over the school summer holidays and saw The Cali Lab work with Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Danielle’s ASB Early Intervention Team to engage with young people who might be at risk of committing anti-social behaviour.
The money awarded via the grant scheme will allow the gym to continue their engagement work in the community for the next twelve months.
Coach Terry, Founder of The Cali Lab, said: “Calisthenics changed my life and I've seen first-hand how it can help vulnerable young people make better choices and find a positive direction.
“Street to Street Workout is about more than fitness. It's about belonging, opportunity and building a better future.
“Giving five young people the chance to become qualified calisthenics coaches could genuinely change the course of their lives. That's what this project is all about.”
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “I am delighted to be able to support The Cali Lab with grant funding through my Safe and Sound Communities Fund.
“Having seen Terry engage with young people during his work this summer, it is clear he has great respect from young people in Corby who are keen to learn from him.
“The more we can do to cut low level anti-social behaviour and reduce demand on Northamptonshire Police the better, so that is why the work Terry is doing with young people is so vital.
“Helping projects that can make a positive impact in local communities is at the core of the Safe and Sound Communities Fund and that is why I am proud to be able to support them.”
Community groups, charities and local organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through the Safe and Sound Communities Fund.