Celebrating 25 years of supporting youths

Alnwick's Multi Agency Crime Prevention Initiative (MACPI) has recently celebrated 25 years of making a difference for young people in the town.
Mayor of Alnwick, Alan Symmonds, with Hon Alderman David Archer, MACPI chairman.Mayor of Alnwick, Alan Symmonds, with Hon Alderman David Archer, MACPI chairman.
Mayor of Alnwick, Alan Symmonds, with Hon Alderman David Archer, MACPI chairman.

To mark the anniversary, a small gathering took place at which the cake was cut by the committee chairman, Honorary Alderman David Archer, and the guest of honour, Mayor Alan Symmonds.

Since 1991, MACPI has channelled cash directly into Alnwick projects designed to steer young people away from crime and drug/alcohol abuse.

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Formed in response to growing concerns about youth exclusion and the numbers of youngsters coming to the notice of the police, MACPI’s main purpose continues to be combining often small amounts of money into game-changing grants.

Beneficiaries have included community-based organisations, one-off projects and local sports clubs, together with programmes organised by local churches.

Mr Archer said: “Even 10p in a collecting tin or £50 to £100 from a local company can contribute to a grant of hundreds of pounds which will really make a difference.

“MACPI is, however, not the vital spark; that comes from the youth groups and projects themselves. We are really only here to supply the kindling to get things going.”

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Coun Symmonds added: “I was delighted to attend MACPI’s celebration of 25 years supporting initiatives for young people. This hard-working group has successfully funded projects which have enriched the lives of many young people, enabling them to develop their social skills and self-confidence in ways that have given them a voice and identified their role in the community.”

The MACPI committee always welcomes hearing from anyone, companies or individuals, who would like to contribute funds or offer support. Also, if there are projects out there which accord with MACPI’s aims and are looking for funding, they can contact [email protected]