Police and Crime Commissioner gives £124k cash boost to social project in Accrington

The money has been given to Accrington-based Community Solutions North West (CSNW) to expand its InterConnect programme, which currently operates in Burnley and Hyndburn, into Pendle and Preston.

Mr Grunshaw visited the social enterprise to hear how the funding, totalling £124,324, will help ex-offenders and people with complex needs turn their lives around through a range of support including sports programmes, family solutions, counselling and training.

He said: "I was very impressed with the work InterConnect is already doing in East Lancashire to help people get their lives back on track.

"Many of these people have complicated issues such as mental health problems or broken families and it is clear the comprehensive support on offer is making a real difference to them.

"By getting them the right support to turn their lives around, InterConnect is helping to break the cycle of re-offending and I am pleased to be able to support them in expanding the project into new areas of Lancashire."

Referrals into InterConnect come from a wide range of public services and individuals get long-term wrap-around support to address the problems they are facing.

The Street Soccer Academy (SSA) helps to engage in a way that people feel comfortable with, while family support is also provided to help address issues people may be having in their personal life. In the longer term, support solutions are tailored to the needs of each individual and can include work experience and training to get them into employment.

Last year, reoffending rates from the SSA were seven per cent, well below the national average.

Deborah Clark, managing director of CSNW, said: "CSNW are delighted to work in partnership with the police and crime commissioner to deliver the InterConnect project.

"We are already seeing changed and transformed lives and hope to expand this work during 2016."