Colchester ALB to help children in crime prevention scheme 

 

A COLCHESTER organisation which started during the pandemic is planning to help youngsters with a new “youth diversion and crime prevention” programme. 

The ALB Community Group, previously named The Anti Loo Roll Brigade, was started by Peter Dutch five years ago after he was scrolling on Facebook and saw videos of people hoarding toilet roll. 

Over the last couple of years, after moving into the Lakelands Centre, a community hub in 2023, the group helps those in need around the city. 

Mr Dutch has now revealed there are a “few new schemes in the pipeline” such as new programme to help youths in the city. 

It’s a collaboration with the Essex and Suffolk Youth Enquiry Service (YES) and schools. 

tarting from this week, ALB will work in a pupil referral unit at North East Essex Co-operative Academy and in other schools. 

his will be so they can help children with ”positive interventions when needed”, such as counselling, mentoring, poverty issues at home, or sports programmes. 

Sessions will also take place at the Stanway Lakelands Centre. 

Referred pupils will be able to benefit from spending time with youth mentors, hear about “lived experiences” and a mix of helpful programmes as well. 

Mr Dutch said: “Everything we do just goes back to try have a positive influence in the local community. 

So, we’ve started this scheme, to try and affect the contributing factors we have witnessed first hand since setting up the ALB, that can cause kids to go down the wrong path with disastrous long term effects. 

“We’re starting at the pupil referral unit imminently. 

The ALB also funds its activities through organising the annual ALB Festival which will take place on September 13 and September 14, and pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be headlining the event in Lower Castle Park. 

Mr Dutch added: “We’re setting up a big system, we want to try get to the crux of the problem. 

“We will signpost them to the right support agencies. 

“We’re looking to get every angle covered, so whatever that kids problem is, we can have a positive influence.” 

Maeve Borges, CEO of YES, said: “YES are thrilled to announce this exciting new collaboration designed to support the young people in our community. 

“Every opportunity to help them stay safe and thrive in education is absolutely vital. 

“We are offering one to one counselling support to children attending NEECA who may be experiencing anxiety self-harm, suicidal thoughts, bereavement, or loss. 

“Our dedicated counsellors will provide a safe space for young people at the ALB Lakeland Centre, offering young people a welcoming space to share their feelings and be heard. 

“Counselling is a powerful tool for building resilience and coping strategies, enabling young people to make positive choices and reach their full potential. 

“We are proud to take this step forward, together we are committed to providing a brighter future for the youth of our area.” 

 

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/25082859.colchester-alb-help-children-crime-prevention-scheme/