SPACE: Building Partnerships to Tackle Antisocial Behaviour
Complex challenges like antisocial behaviour cannot be solved by one organisation alone.
They require trust, funding, partnership and the confidence to try something different. Through the Supporting Positive Activities and Community Engagement (SPACE) programme, Norfolk Community Foundation worked alongside the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCC), Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Youth Advisory Boards (YABS) to test a preventative, community‑led approach with young people’s voices at its heart.
Working with 6 of our Healthy Young Mind Coalition members, SPACE invested in these trusted local youth organisations to engage young people who were most at risk of antisocial behaviour. Over two years, the projects reached young people who were not engaging with traditional services. They offered positive activities that created space for relationships, early support and important conversations. Many of these young people were experiencing anxiety, isolation, low confidence or unmet additional needs. By offering consistent contact, trusted adults and positive activities, projects helped young people feel safer and more supported.
What made SPACE different was how partners worked together. Funding was committed over a longer period, giving groups time to build consistent relationships. Youth Advisory Boards helped shape decisions, ensuring young people had a real say. Community groups worked closely with police, schools and families, often meeting young people where they already were through open access youth work.
“It helped me feel that if I needed help, there would be someone I could talk to or even hang out with if I was having a bad day.”
Case study: The Benjamin Foundation
The Benjamin Foundation created a welcoming, open‑access youth space in Mile Cross for young people who were at risk of disengagement, isolation or antisocial behaviour.
They supported young people who often feel overlooked by services. The project focused on creating the right environment first. Listening to young people, sessions were shaped to feel calm, welcoming and free from judgement. That trust created space for honest conversations. Youth workers were able to talk openly with young people about behaviour, choices and the pressures they were facing.
As a result, young people reduced antisocial behaviour, with some also cutting back on drinking and drug use. Importantly, change was not limited to the sessions themselves. Many young people reported stronger relationships with the people around them, including parents and family members, and greater confidence in social settings.
The impact has been significant. Across the programme, more than 800 children and young people were engaged, many of whom were outside mainstream education or facing additional barriers. Results ranged from improved school attendance and reduced antisocial behaviour to stronger relationships with families and communities. In some areas, local police and schools noted fewer concerns and improved behaviour linked to the presence of youth workers.
SPACE shows what is possible when long-term, flexible funding helps communities lead and partners commit to learning together. It demonstrates that supporting young people’s mental wellbeing through trusted community relationships is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm, reduce antisocial behaviour and strengthen communities. As we look ahead, this learning will shape how we support future partnerships, backing approaches that build trust, prevent harm early and strengthen communities.
If you are interested in partnering, sharing learning or exploring collaborative funding, connect with us and join the conversation.
