Southern Co-op hopes to tackle rising violent crime at its cause with charitable cash donations

VIOLENCE, theft, robberies and underage drinking have been blighting a convenience store business – and the Southern Co-op says it is now hoping to tackle the crime at its root cause by investing in charitable projects.
Motiv8, a charity that supports young people in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham, will receive cash from the Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund. Picture supplied by Motiv8. Motiv8, a charity that supports young people in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham, will receive cash from the Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund. Picture supplied by Motiv8.
Motiv8, a charity that supports young people in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham, will receive cash from the Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund. Picture supplied by Motiv8.

The Southern Co-op has seen a rise in retail crime, including an increase in the threat of violence and the use of weapons.

It even closed its store in Isambard Brunel Road, Portsmouth, in December after crime hit its profits.

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It is now hoping for change and it has set up the Southern Co-op's Safer Neighbourhood Fund, which will see 14 organisations across Portsmouth, Bristol, Bournemouth, Southampton and south London receive £7,500.

Jessica Hughes​, Southern Co-op's community investment manager, said: ‘None of our colleagues should have to face threats of violence so we are putting a lot of effort into tackling crime from every angle - causes, prevention, reporting and justice.

‘The programmes these grants will be funding range from rehabilitation schemes for ex-offenders, youth projects for those identified as at risk, probation services, the homeless and/or those escaping addiction. Many of these people just need a chance to make a positive change in their lives.’

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Five Portsmouth and Southampton based programmes - run by Changing Tunes, Community Alcohol Partnerships, Motiv8, The Society of St James and Youth Options - will benefit.

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Motiv8, which operates in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham,and supports young people and their families, will use its share to run an eight week programme to help young people overcome adverse childhood experiences.

Sam Cofie, from Motiv8, said: ‘We are really excited about working with Southern Co-op to support even more vulnerable young people who we know deserve a better chance in life.’

The Society of St James (SSJ), a Hampshire-based homelessness charity, will be using the funding for a DIY project.

Mark Gray, project leader at SSJ, said: ‘Receiving funding to support a project, such as this, which focuses on building ex-offenders’ skills is so valuable to ensuring they are contributing positively to the community in which they live.’

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Community Alcohol Partnerships tackles alcohol harm among young people.

The money will help identify young people who are most at risk of being involved in criminal activity and encourage them to lead health awareness and social actions campaigns.

Kate Winstanley, director of CAP, said: ‘We know that young people's drinking can put them at increased risk of physical and social harm. This is very welcome funding.’

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