Josh aims to make a difference with violent offenders in Fleetwood and Fylde coast

Josh, 23, is part of a team involved in the DIVERT programme, bringing an innovative approach to tackling violent crime to the Fylde coast after a similar initiative in London had positive results.

The DIVERT programme takes a public health approach to violence by addressing the reasons why people offend.

Josh, from Preesall, comes in as a coach with Fleetwood Town FC Community Trust and aims to break down barriers which can hold some young people back.

The programme starts when the young people are in police custody for violent crime and offers them a way out of their pattern of offending.

Based at Blackpool Police station on Gerry Richardson Way, Marton, Josh is working with those aged 18 to 25 to try and get them away from crime, but he also spends time in Fleetwood.

He said: “I think anything that has a positive impact on reducing reoffending in our area has got to be a good thing.

“The links we have with the clubs and the communities can enhance people’s lives and hopefully steer them away from the trouble they were getting involved with.

“I’ll be dealing with people from Fleetwood and because I have already been working in that community, via the football club, I think it can help to make a difference.

“Violent crime can ruin the lives of the victims and also the people committing the offences, so I think this is worthwhile.

“When they see us in a track suit and know that we’re not police officers, it brings in different element and can break down the barriers.”

Josh has been involved with the Fleetwood Town FC Trust for a year in another role and says he loves the way the club has reached out to people in the town.

Insp Dave Oldfield from the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network said: “The DIVERT programme helps young adults to find hope and explore opportunities so that they can improve their circumstances and build a life away from crime.

“Helping young people to make positive changes also improves the lives of their families and their communities.

"By reducing reoffending, we are also reducing the number of victims of crime.

“DIVERT has changed the lives of young adults in London and we are confident the programme can achieve the same success here.”

Reoffending dropped from 27 per cent to eight per cent at the Metropolitan Police and will be adopted across all nicks in Lancashire.