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It’s a crisp autumn evening in Ashton-under-Lyne and, instead of the usual clusters of bored teens outside the precinct, something else is parked up and drawing a crowd: a sleek van humming with energy, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of FIFA celebrations.
Inside, there are games consoles, a small kitchenette handing out hot drinks, and youth workers chatting easily with young people about school, futures, and everything in between.
Tackling anti-social behaviour in Ashton-Under-Lyne
Outside, police officers in uniform aren’t patrolling or dispersing groups; they’re joining in, playing, talking, and most importantly, connecting. This is Tameside’s new way of tackling anti-social behaviour. And it’s a bit of a game-changer.
Neighbourhood officers across Tameside have teamed up with Foundation 92, the community charity backed by the Class of ’92, to launch mobile youth hubs: part gaming lounge, part community centre, part life-coach-on-wheels.
Manchester Police and Foundation 92
Over the next 12 months, the units will hit hotspots across the borough, from Hyde to Droylsden, chosen using real data and local insight. Their mission is simple: reach young people where they are, before boredom turns into trouble.
“Crime prevention is a fundamental part of policing,” says Sergeant Rob Froggatt, the driving force behind bringing the project to life. “This service gives young people a safe place to have fun, learn, and develop, and helps stop anti-social behaviour before it begins.”
It’s not all fun and games
Yes, there are PlayStations. But there’s also guidance, life-skills support, and conversations about choices, safety and ambition. It’s a softer approach, one that treats young people not as problems waiting to happen, but as potential waiting to be unlocked.
Ricardo Silva, Community Programmes Manager at Foundation 92, sees the vans as a bridge. “This project represents our commitment to empowering young people in Tameside. By delivering youth work directly into communities, we build trust, reduce risk-taking, and create safer, stronger neighbourhoods for everyone.”
Greater Manchester Police’s softer approach to policing
For a borough often hit by headlines about youth disorder, this initiative feels refreshingly hopeful: a mix of grassroots youth work and proactive policing. The vans don’t swoop in to break up gatherings. They park up to start conversations. They don’t hand out warnings. They hand out opportunities.
And in a world where young people are often talked about more than listened to, this approach might just be the spark Tameside needs.
“Give a young person a chance and they’ll often surprise you”
Give a young person a chance and they’ll often surprise you. Give them a space to be heard, supported, and challenged, and suddenly, the streets look very different.
With Foundation 92 and Greater Manchester Police teaming up, Tameside isn’t just cracking down on anti-social behaviour. It’s building up its young people. And that’s the kind of future every neighbourhood deserves.
You can find out more about Foundation 92 by clicking here
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