Diverse Communities

Community case study – community cohesion in Luton oct 2020

In 2016 we started the Wicketz programme in Luton, an area of very high deprivation facing many challenges - left and right wing extremism, religious tensions and high levels of violent & exploitative crime.
Wicketz works closely alongside Bedfordshire Police to help reduce and tackle these challenges, with police officers participating at Wicketz sessions and events and running workshops.
In 2018 a group of young Afghan refugees were identified as contributing to ASB and community conflict in Luton – many were disengaged from mainstream education, in trouble with police and on the fringe of crime. It quickly became clear that they were in poor mental health and at immense risk of exploitation.
In response Wicketz set up Combat Cricket to help these and other vulnerable young people to integrate into their community. Using a mix of martial arts and cricket (the two most popular sports), hard work and discipline, their fitness and agility increased and they learned how to channel energy positively. Each session also educated participants around the dangers of such issues as drugs, gangs, knife/ gun crime, extremism and sexual exploitation.
Impact -
Participants Pre programme
• 80% said they were sometimes physically aggressive
• 70% of them had had at least one fight within the last 8 weeks
Participants post programme
• 100% noticed a change in their discipline and self-control
• 100% said they refrained from fighting and they think before they act.
What we see post programme. Participants -
• improved ability to cope under stress
• more measured and in control - positively harnessing anger and frustration
• no longer physically violent in disagreements or verbal confrontations
• growing in self-confidence,
• more positive and respectful interactions with others
• better outcomes for themselves including some in employment or academic pathways
Wicketz has become one of the largest crime intervention programmes in Luton. The pandemic has delayed rolling this out to schools in Luton but will recommence when possible.
This project has received accolades from the media, community and the wider police force. Detective Supt David Cestaro Community Policing (Tackling OCGs) NPCC Co-Ordinator for Serious Violence, Bedfordshire Police - “In my role as force lead for tackling organised crime, I am particularly eager to prevent local youngsters from getting drawn into activities and crimes which are often precursors to becoming embroiled in serious crime. I was incredibly impressed with how Wicketz have a philosophy which is all about stopping this. What’s more it is translated through the medium of sport in a way that really engages youth and provides key factors to increasing their resilience to crime. There is a range of schemes fit for the diversity of Luton’s communities, though they all share the common pathway of developing participants’ self-esteem and desire to belong to something worthwhile in their community. Events run by Wicketz bring together often struggling individuals into groups and teams who learn about collaborative success, receive inputs from key professionals and signpost them to opportunities with local companies or education providers. This is just the sort of initiative to break down barriers, not only between people, but between an individual's challenging situation and their potential.”
Media Coverage:
BBC Sport Coverage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2oMMCZeP48&t=