Halfway, Cambuslang is a long established area of high deprivation and is generationally regarded as one of the most problematic communities within South Lanarkshire with particular concerns regarding gang related violence youth disorder and antisocial behaviour.
A significant rise in complaints was received from residents and the community by partners. Further investigation highlighted that a large percentage of these complaints were not being reported to police or the local authority for fear of reprisals resulting in the erosion of community wellbeing with residents scared to go out alone, particularly at night.
The Safer South Lanarkshire Board tasked MTGP with attending at the epicentre of the incidents to deliver 2 x 12 week activity programs to run simultaneously on a Friday and Saturday evening from January to April 2016.
It was anticipated that this intensive period of activity would assist in the breaking down of complex barriers whilst assisting the re-building of the community wellbeing process. MTGP would work with offenders to facilitate a successful uptake of support and alternatives to offending offered by partners who were struggling to make an impact in the area.
On the initial weekend of activity MTGP was visited by police on 16 separate occasions, mainly due to concerns for the safety of the coaches. After a few short weeks these ‘precautionary visits’ stopped and were replaced by Community Police Officers attending when free, to integrate with attendees. Officers noted a complete change in atmosphere from one of initial negativity and wariness, to one of fun and positivity from attendees and residents.
On that first night, police felt the need to warn the coaches of 3 individuals who were known gang members, who regularly carried and used weapons. These individuals were exactly the type of attendees MTGP wished to attract if an area was to be successful.
Throughout 12 weeks of activity, 1128 young people attended with an average 49 young people per night. 69% were males with 31% females. Several parents and residents also regularly attended leading to increased community wellbeing.
Following weeks of intensive activity by the coaches the 3 identified individuals began to alter their behaviour. They along with 5 others, would arrive early and assist in the erection of the pitch and skill zones. They displayed early signs of having the necessary skills, abilities and temperament to possibly be future street coaches.
Under strict MTGP supervision they actively assisted in training sessions with the younger attendees. They slowly developed into positive role models and openly discouraged attendees not to be like how they were, but to make the most of opportunities. They would remain all night and assist with the dismantling of the pitch.
Parents and residents confirmed that they believed the 3 to be responsible for most of the previous trouble in the area but after several weeks, observed them in a new light, due to the change of attitude of the 3 and their own attitudes towards the former troublemakers.
Residents highlighted that incidents had reduced dramatically and young people were no longer fighting amongst themselves or terrorising locals. They believed that changes brought about by MTGP had benefited the community as a whole and vastly increased the sense of community wellbeing.
Many local residents shared the opinion that MTGP is the only project that the young people of Halfway will freely participate in, leading to numerous benefits for individuals and the community. They felt that when MTGP was in operation, their area changed dramatically with new relationships formed and previous violent tendencies greatly reduced.
What they say…
‘Enjoyed maself. It’s something to do and we are not getting into trouble while we are here’. R, 15
‘The feel-good factor is back when you are here. We all notice it. I don’t have any kids but can see and feel the difference in our area.
You don’t feel as intimidated when going out in area when Moving the Goalposts is here. We get to know some of the kids who we didn’t know before. It’s good to have Moving the Goalposts here it improves our community and feels like nothing else. Thank you’. Evelyn (Resident)
‘The best project bar none. Look at the kids they’re so happy and the older boys and girls are here as well and are taking part and laughing and enjoying themselves’. Liz (Parent)
Crime Analysis
Extensive police analysis was carried out which highlighted the following:-
All youth related crimes and incidents within a ¼ mile radius of the MTGP pitch was reduced by 75%
All crimes and incidents within a ¼ mile radius of MTGP’s pitch was reduced by 53.3%
Closer analysis revealed that there were no crimes or incidents whilst MTGP was in operation.
Analysts were able to carry out a snapshot in relation to all youth related crimes within the whole of the Halfway area. This was reduced by 56.6% , further highlighting that MTGP has a significant effect on crimes and incidents over a greater geographical area than anticipated.
Individual Outcomes: Improved Opportunities
Significant progress was made with the 3 attendees. They made the journey from being wary and hostile towards MTGP, to fully embracing the opportunities offered and to positively change their expectations of life whilst offering something back to the community.
All 3 stated that they wished to continue coaching and volunteered to pursue their coaching education with MTGP when it left Halfway to commence operating in Larkhall.
Despite an initial fear of entering an area that they previously had fought with, all 3 successfully completed their volunteer periods, attending every week, making a positive impact on activities. They acquitted themselves well whilst actively breaking down their own ‘siege mentality’ issues believing that they could not exist outwith their gang area without fear of retribution. It is hoped that this may prove a pivotal moment in their lives, leading to improved life opportunities, choices and expectations.
Whilst working in Larkhall they appeared more relaxed despite initial fears about entering another gang area. In their capacity of MTGP coaches they were welcomed into the area, making friends with several attendees.
All 3 highlighted that MTGP had made a positive impact in their lives and their expectations regarding what was achievable in the future. The following testimonials are from 2 of the attendees and their parents.
This is far better than what we normally do. I wish we could do this every week. I feel so chilled and I haven’t felt this way in such a long time. I can’t believe that the Larkhall boys are ok with us’. J, 16
‘What a big difference in my boy since he became involved with Moving the Goalposts. The police were never away from my door before you came.
Moving the Goalposts is the only thing that he and his pals enjoy and it’s the only thing that they have ever committed to in their lives.
It’s incredible, they attend every night. It’s the only thing that works for these kids and I wish it was here every weekend.
People have to realise the difference Moving the Goalposts makes to this community. It needs to be recognised for what it does.
Thanks very much. I know not just my boy but everyone in the community fully supports Moving the Goalposts and we hope you come back soon’. J’s Mother
‘Tony, (MTGP Head Coach) I’d like to thank you. This is much better than hanging about the streets in Halfway. You see we are always waiting on trouble happening and are always getting into trouble because we are having to defend ourselves every weekend.
It’s been great and wish it was like this every weekend’. W, 15
‘Thank you for taking an interest in my son this is just what he needs. He respects all of you so much and it’s the only thing he has ever shown an interest in as he doesn’t get involved with anything else.
We have tried so hard for him to show an interest in something, anything, but all he does is hang about the streets with his friends.
Thank you again, you have shown him there are opportunities for boys like him. He is showing an enthusiasm we haven’t seen in him for a long time’. W’s Mother
Moving The Goalposts 