NORTH WALES Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited Wrexham Concert Band at St John’s Church in Wrexham on 16 September to see how they are using funding from the Your Community, Your Choice initiative to tackle youth crime through music.
Your Community, Your Choice is decided through a public vote and supported by the PCC, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT). Over the past twelve years, Your Community, Your Choice has awarded almost £660,000 to 214 projects working to reduce crime in their neighbourhoods and support the priorities in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. The funding comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the remainder provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Wrexham Concert Band is using Your Community, Your Choice funding to deliver ‘Wind Band Community Outreach: Music for Change’, an initiative designed to engage local schools, community centres, and vulnerable youth through music. The project aims to reach at least 100 young people aged 7-18, offering workshops, mentorship opportunities, and public performances to provide a positive outlet for their energy at times where some might engage in antisocial behaviour through boredom or lack of alternative activities.
During his visit, the Commissioner met with band leaders and learned how the project includes workshops facilitated by experienced band members, community performances, and integrated discussions about crime prevention and community safety. The project started in May and will run until November 2025, in partnership with Offa Community Council, Bellevue Community Centre, and Wrexham Music Cooperative.
Scott Lloyd, Musical Director at Wrexham Concert Band, commented: “We’re delighted to receive this funding which allows us to extend our reach into the community and offer young people a creative outlet through music.
“Music can teach discipline, build confidence and create a sense of belonging. We’ve seen firsthand how participation in playing music can lead to positive life choices and stronger community connections.”
Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “It was wonderful to visit Wrexham Concert Band and hear about their innovative approach to youth engagement through music.
“This project demonstrates how the arts can be a powerful tool for crime prevention, providing young people with structure, purpose, and positive role models.
“This initiative directly supports key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan, particularly around community engagement and early intervention.
“By working with established community groups like Wrexham Concert Band, we’re creating sustainable partnerships that address the root causes of antisocial behaviour.”
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers said: “The Wind Band Community Outreach project perfectly demonstrates how Your Community, Your Choice funding can create positive change.
“By investing proceeds of crime back into creative community initiatives like this, we’re giving young people the opportunities they need to thrive.”
North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans commented: “Projects like this music initiative are exactly what we need to engage young people – some of whom might otherwise make poor choices and get involved in antisocial behaviour.
“Music teaches valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are qualities that help build stronger and safer communities and which North Wales Police fully support.”
For more information about Wrexham Concert Band, visit their Facebook page.
To learn more, visit the PACT website. To earn more about their work, visit the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner website.
