Partnership in youth work - supporting community safety

Youth work in Bristol thrives on one vital element: partnership. The Postcode Project, operating in South Bristol, is a prime example of how collaboration between the Youth Sector, the Local Authority, and other key stakeholders can create lasting change. Without this joint effort, initiatives that prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and protect young people from exploitation simply wouldn’t be possible. Together, we are building a safer future for our communities. 

The Postcode Project 

The Postcode Project brings together Year 6 students from Knowle, Filwood and Hartcliffe & Withywood. Offering the opportunity to form friendships, boost confidence, and develop vital life skills. By uniting youth workers, local schools, the police, the community, and the Local Authority, we create a network of support that helps address the root causes of ASB. This collaboration ensures that early intervention is possible, and that our response is both coordinated and effective. 

What is the impact? 

We already know from research conducted by the National Youth Agency (NYA) that youth work leads to reduced crime, improved mental health, and increased educational outcomes. For example, the NYA estimates that youth work generates a social return of over £3.2 billion, including £0.5 billion in reduced crime costs. Youth work also has a direct impact on young people's mental health and educational outcomes, contributing £1.7 billion to health improvements and £0.8 billion to better employment and education opportunities​. These early indicators give us confidence that the Postcode Project will continue to yield similar benefits, reducing ASB and empowering young people in Bristol’s most disadvantaged communities. 

The impact of the Postcode Project will be measured through assessments and personal reflections, culminating in a celebration of achievement at Ashton Gate Stadium in May 2025. This event will highlight not only the personal growth of the young people involved but also the success of a community-wide approach that is only achievable through partnership. The Crime Commissioner’s involvement underscores the importance of this collective effort, which breaks down barriers between different neighbourhoods and lays the groundwork for a more inclusive, safer future. 

Partnerships 

Youth work in Bristol thrives because of strong partnership working between the Youth Sector and the Local Authority. Together, we are not just investing in the future of individual young people—we’re investing in the future of Bristol as a whole. It’s this collaborative approach that makes projects like the Postcode Project possible. Without such partnerships, the reach and impact of these initiatives would be limited. By working together, we are proving that collective action leads to remarkable, lasting outcomes for our young people and communities.