Police and Crime Commissioner backs new community initiative in Newport

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd is supporting a new community initiative in Newport.

The Next Gen Youths Community Wellbeing and Diversion Programme is a year-long preventative initiative based at Newport Central Jam’e Masjid. It aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, improve mental health and wellbeing, and strengthen community safety through early intervention and trusted, community-led support.

Alongside weekly youth drop-in sessions, youth workers will deliver sporting activities for both boys and girls, provide mentoring, and run workshops to help build transferable skills. The programme will also offer safe, supported sessions for neurodiverse children and young people, as well as wellbeing groups for parents with new babies.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “I’m really pleased to be supporting this fantastic project. Initiatives like Next Gen Youths play such an important role because they truly understand the needs of their communities.

“This project is a great example of that local insight in action, offering thoughtful, tailored support that reflects what people genuinely need and value. It’s inspiring to see a programme that listens and responds in a way that makes a real, positive difference.”

The project supports the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan and is partially funded using money recovered from the proceeds of crime. Community groups can apply to the fund for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000 to support local initiatives.

Khayrul Alam from Next Gen Youths said: “Feedback from the local community shows that children and young people are facing increasing challenges, including social isolation, poor mental health, and greater exposure to antisocial behaviour, particularly during evenings and school holidays.

“We’re proud to open the mosque’s doors to the wider community, offering a range of activities designed to help young people have fun, build confidence, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships in a safe and supportive environment.”