LANCASHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been pounding the streets of Accrington to see how an organisation is helping give young people an ‘Early Break’.

Clive Grunshaw also met with staff at Early Break, which provides a specialist drug and alcohol service for people up to the age of 21.

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The organisation is celebrating its 21st year and has operated in East Lancashire for the last nine years, engaging thousands of young people and their families.

The project accepts referrals from young people themselves, family members and carers as well as outside agencies.

During his visit the commissioner, spoke to several young people on the streets before he went to the New Era Centre to speak to some more. There he discussed the charity with the young people it supports.

The commissioner, who successfully bid for £2.2m from the Home Office for initiatives aimed at preventing vulnerable people falling into a life of crime earlier this year, said: “Early action means engaging with Lancashire’s most vulnerable residents before they reach crisis point – the point at which they place the most demand on the county’s public and voluntary services.

“As we look to work more effectively with a reduced budget, early action programmes like Early Break become even more essential. They help people make positive choices and steer them away from becoming involved in crime, which is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.”

The commissioner, added: “Early Break is doing some excellent work to help young people at the earliest stage possible and it was great to see that in action when I visited them.”

Fran Gracie, Early Break’s operational manager, said : “The commissioner’s visit was paramount. As a service we wanted to show Mr Grunshaw how our work can support the police and community safety partnerships in reducing anti-social behaviours and crimes.”

To make a referral to Early Break, call 01282 604022.