Community youth club expands services with PCC funding to cut antisocial behaviour and support young people
A CAERNARFON youth project is expanding its work to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) after securing funding from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin’s Innovate to Grow scheme.
Porthi Dre Youth Club has received support from the Office of the PCC to help fund a new part-time Youth Officer, strengthening services for young people and supporting early intervention work in the town, particularly in the Seiont and Peblig wards.
Mr Dunbobbin visited the community hub on January 21 to meet staff, volunteers and young people, and to see how the funding is helping develop youth provision in Caernarfon.
Porthi Dre is a community-led initiative tackling poverty, food insecurity and social isolation, while providing meals, clothing and a safe, welcoming space for residents. The organisation runs a weekly youth club every Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm, offering free hot meals, activities and tailored support for young people.
The funding has enabled the appointment of part-time Youth Officer Iwan Wyn Bohana, who will lead and coordinate youth services as part of a pilot project aimed at reducing low-level ASB and improving out-of-school support. The role also strengthens links between the community and local police, helping promote positive engagement and early intervention.
During his visit, the PCC joined in activities, met young people and volunteers, and saw how the youth club provides a safe space for young people to socialise, access support and build positive relationships.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said:
“I was delighted to visit Porthi Dre and to learn more about the new Youth Officer role and the difference it will make in helping to reduce ASB in Caernarfon. The role, funded through our Innovate to Grow initiative, will help ensure young people feel recognised, supported and safe.
“Reducing antisocial behaviour and supporting communities is a key priority for me, and I hope this funding will help further develop Porthi Dre and support residents of all ages in Caernarfon.”
The Porthi Dre team added:
“This funding makes a real difference. It allows us to run regular sessions for young people and provide a warm, safe place for them to spend their evenings. Visits like this show how important partnership working is in helping young people feel supported and able to thrive locally.”
The funding comes from the PCC’s Innovate to Grow scheme, which invests in innovative community projects tackling the root causes of crime across North Wales. The scheme has a £100,000 budget for the 2025–2026 financial year, supporting projects focused on prevention, early intervention and community safety.
