REDUCING the potential for antisocial behaviour (ASB) and promoting positive community engagement are the focus of a new project in Flint which has secured funding support from Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, through his ‘Innovate to Grow’ initiative.
The project — Flint Community Empowerment Hub: Martial Arts for Positive Change — aims to bring Cobra Life’s established youth development and empowerment programme, previously delivered in Shotton and Buckley, to a brand-new dedicated hub in Flint town centre.
PCC Dunbobbin’s Innovate to Grow fund exists to invest in projects that tackle the root causes of crime across North Wales, particularly those offering innovative, preventative approaches that strengthen communities and provide meaningful opportunities for young people.
The new programme delivered by Cobra Life Family Martial Arts offers structured martial arts sessions, youth engagement, mentoring, physical fitness activities, and values-based learning. The aim is to provide young people with the tools to develop discipline, confidence, resilience and positive behaviour — creating a safe and inclusive space for families and the wider community.
On November 26, PCC Dunbobbin visited the new hub on Castle Street to meet Instructor Mr Holdstock and speak with some of the young people participating in the programme. During his visit, the PCC watched a youth class, observed an advanced session and pad work, took part in several drills with the students, and spoke with parents about the early impact of the project. He also met with Gavin Eastham, Director of Cobra Life, to discuss the organisation’s long-term goals and the role the new hub aims to play in reducing ASB locally.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “It was fantastic to visit Cobra Life’s new hub in Flint and to learn about their Martial Arts for Positive Change programme.
“This sort of project is what my Innovate to Grow initiative is all about – helping fund and foster exciting and new ways of reducing and dealing with the root causes of crime.
“In this case that means teaching young people the self-discipline and respect inherent in martial arts and giving them worthwhile activities to get involved in, when they might otherwise be on the street and tempted to get involved in bad behaviour.
“Young people are our future and we should make every effort to invest in them and show them how much society cares about them.
“I am proud that we have been able to support this project and look forward to seeing the difference it will make in Flint and the wider Deeside area.”
Gavin Eastham, Director of Cobra Life Family Martial Arts Black Belt Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support shown through the Innovate to Grow initiative.
“Our aim has always been simple — to give young people a safe, positive place to grow in confidence, discipline and self-belief.
“Seeing the enthusiasm from the PCC and having the opportunity to show him the passion of our students, parents and instructors means a great deal to us.
“This programme is still in its early stages here in Flint, but we are committed to building something that genuinely improves lives and strengthens our community for years to come.”
Mr Dunbobbin has allocated £100,000 through this round of Innovate to Grow funding to support community-led initiatives focused on tackling ASB, supporting vulnerable people and helping young people make positive life choices.
To read more about Innovate to Grow and other funding initiatives from the PCC, please visit the OPCC Commissioning grants available page on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales website.
