Residents of Damien John Kelly House (DJK House), an abstinence-based recovery centre in Wavertree, Liverpool, are driving a ground-breaking initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community safety. These inspiring individuals, all recovering alcoholics or drug addicts, are determined to turn their personal experiences into a force for positive change. Together, they aim to create a safer, more supportive neighbourhood.

A Programme Designed to Combat Anti-Social Behaviour

This powerful project, supported by Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police, focuses on addressing anti-social behaviour through a range of targeted activities that also support community safety. Over the course of six weeks, DJK House residents and graduates will deliver engaging talks covering topics such as male identity, crime prevention, and the significance of family support networks in fostering safer communities.

By connecting directly with young people in schools, these sessions aim to deter those at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour, while also offering relatable role models. Additionally, the initiative extends its focus on community safety through visits to local prisons. During these sessions, participants will mentor inmates, helping them envision and build positive futures after serving their sentences.

The programme uses education, mentorship, and personal stories to make a lasting difference and highlight the need to tackle it while building safer, more supportive communities.

Transforming Struggles into Strength Through Collaboration

Jacquie Fisher, head of service at DJK House, expressed her optimism about the initiative’s potential impact. She explained, “These men have faced extraordinary hardships, including addiction and trauma. However, they’ve managed to turn their lives around and are now inspiring others to do the same. This commitment makes them exceptional ambassadors for tackling anti-social behaviour and fostering community safety.” With this effort, DJK House is steadily helping to instil hope while building a culture of recovery and resilience in Wavertree.

Community Safety Programmes

This initiative is part of the government-funded Hotspot Response Fund, which targets areas affected by serious violence and anti-social behaviour. Constable Jo Stevens of Merseyside Police highlighted the significance of this partnership. She said, “Collaborating with DJK House allows us to tackle crime head-on, while also laying the foundations for lasting community safety and growth. This dual approach makes a real difference.”

Building Safer Neighbourhoods Through Recovery and Action

This inspiring initiative demonstrates how recovery and collaboration can create real, measurable change. By using their lived experiences, these individuals prove that it is possible to overcome life’s most difficult obstacles while also uplifting the wider community. Together, their efforts illuminate new pathways to reduce anti-social behaviour and cultivate safer, stronger neighbourhoods across Liverpool.

Source: Yahoo News