Space scheme was an out of this world success

MORE than 1,300 young people aged between eight and 17 registered for a wide range of activities as part of the Staffordshire Space Programme.

The scheme achieved over 4,700 attendances, equating to more than

14,200 hours of free events.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis, above, gave more than £90,000 in his determination to see Space return between August and October in 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme was unable to offer the same variation or volume of activities provided in previous years. The reduced amount of activities for smaller numbers of participants was commissioned using local organisations with a track record of supporting Space in previous years, all of which adhered to coronavirus health and safety protocols. Mr Ellis said: “Despite an extremely difficult year and the pandemic having a significant impact on all community events, Space safely went ahead with more than 500 activities reaching over 1,360 young people.

“The positive activities that Space provides were needed this year more than ever before as the detrimental impact of lockdown on young people’s physical and mental health was clear for all to see.

“I’m thankful that my office, activity providers and local authorities all worked incredibly hard to ensure that all activities were put in place in line with Government Covid-19 guidance.

“These activities are all about providing an opportunity for partners to engage with young people to help nurture, support and develop them. I hope that Space will return in 2021 and be as big a success as it has been over the last five years.”