A Lancashire MP and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner have visited a Parbold charity to see how new funding is helping support young people at risk of offending.
Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire, and Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw toured Stable Lives on Friday, June 19, where they met director Carrie Byrom and learned more about the organisation’s work.
The visit followed the award of funding secured through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s community fund, which will enable Stable Lives to expand its programme for vulnerable young people.
The charity delivers structured courses lasting either six weeks or up to a year, tailored to individuals who are either involved in or at risk of criminal behaviour.
The programme aims to provide young people with a safe and supportive environment, helping them build confidence and set personal goals while offering long-term education and support plans.
Participants can also attend a weekly youth group to reduce isolation and build friendships.
The funding for Stable Lives is one of four projects backed through the scheme, alongside kNOwKnifeCrime, First Kick Foundation and About the Town CIC.
Speaking after the visit, Ms Dalton said she was keen to see firsthand how the funding would be used.
She said: "After securing this funding for Stable Lives through the Police and Crime Commissioner, I couldn’t wait to see the charity in person and hear about the impact this funding will have.
"It was fantastic to learn about the courses that are being provided for young people in a safe and supportive environment, providing a proactive approach to behaviour change.
"A top priority of mine is reducing crime in West Lancashire, and it’s programmes like this one that help us get there.”
Mr Grunshaw said the project demonstrated the importance of early intervention in preventing crime.
"It was powerful to visit this project and hear about the difference this support is making for young people," he said.
"By providing a safe environment, positive role models, and tailored support, programmes like this help young people build confidence, develop new skills, and avoid the risks of getting involved in crime.
"Through my Community Fund, we are investing in early intervention that tackles the root causes of offending and helps create safer communities for the future.”
Ms Byrom said the funding would allow the charity to reach more young people in need of support.
"Behind every young person at risk of entering the criminal justice system is a story that often includes trauma, loss and unmet need," she said.
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"Stable Lives provides a place where those young people can feel safe, valued, and supported.
"By combining emotional support with practical learning and personal development, we help them see beyond their circumstances and believe that a different future is possible.”
Applications for the next round of funding through Ms Dalton’s office are now open, with a deadline of July 14.
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