A varied programme of events providing fun and engaging activities for young people while tackling anti-social behaviour in Swansea’s city centre will be taking place throughout the school summer holidays.
Drop-in rugby sessions, social gatherings, barbeques, a police community day and an inter-generational music festival with a stage and live performances in St David’s Square are just some of the events planned.
It expands and builds on the successful City Chill programme that ran last summer and which helped contribute to a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour in the city centre and marina area during the school summer holidays compared to recent previous years.
Part of this summer’s programme includes the continuation of the Tackle After Dark sessions that have been running every Tuesday evening since April.
Run by Ospreys in the Community, in conjunction with South Wales Police and Swansea Council, an average of around 30 young people have attended the game-changing initiative held at the pop-up Collaboration Station in the former Cranes Music store each week.
Tackle After Dark is open to any young person who wishes to participate, irrespective of their background or skill level, and has also been supported by a range of other partners.
Inspector Andrew Hedley said: “We are pleased to support the ongoing partnership initiative with Swansea Council and Ospreys in the Community and have already seen the benefits of increased interaction between officers and those in attendance. This is just one example of the significant engagement work ongoing over the summer which aims to provide young people with a safe environment and positive things to do, to reduce the chances of anti-social behaviour being committed.”
Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, Hayley Gwilliam, said: “This summer our pop-up Collaboration Station will be hive of activity providing meaningful activities and a safe place to gather and socialise for young people in the city centre.
“Some people are often too quick to criticise young people today but they have come up with some great ideas and have shown energy and positivity as we have worked with partners to plan a summer of activities.
“The offering at the Collaboration Station is in addition to hundreds of free and low costs activities for young people and families funded by the council across all areas of Swansea as part of our #HereForYouThisSummer campaign.”
Tom Sloane, Ospreys in the Community’s head of community foundation, added: “We’re proud to be part of a partnership that puts young people at the heart of positive change in Swansea. Through initiatives like Tackle After Dark, we’re not only creating a safe and welcoming space for young people to connect and grow, but also showing how sport can play a powerful role in building trust, breaking down barriers, and promoting respect.
“The engagement and enthusiasm we’ve seen week after week proves there’s a real appetite for opportunities that are inclusive, supportive, and community-driven.”
