A gym in Leeds 9 are hoping to benefit from funding following a visit by the Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson.
Precise Accurate Training, situated on Macaulay Street is owned and run by Nick Manners and was brought to the attention of Mr Burns-Williamson by the Prevent team of West Yorkshire Police who feel that Nick is providing a vital service to the area. Gary Blezard, a Prevent Engagement Officer said “The gym is really good for the community. Here in Leeds we need credible voices. The youngsters who train here listen to Nick and respect what he has to say. He offers something for people who may otherwise be getting into trouble – he keeps them off the street. The gym is a real mixing pot of different religions and cultures all working together which is great. This is a safe environment for everyone who attends here regardless of their background.”
Mark Burns-Williamson set up the Safer Communities Fund to support groups in West Yorkshire who are working hard to make a difference so that communities are safer and feel safer. The fund is financed by money recovered from the Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act and nearly £1 million has gone to groups across the region in the last 12 months. Organisations who benefitted from grants earlier in the year include Bradford Citadel Salvation Army, Leeds Women’s Aid, and The Market Place – HYPE.
Speaking during his visit to Precise Accurate Training, Mark Burns-Williamson said “This facility is great to have in the community. Creating a positive route through physical activities helps to keep people out of other less positive activities. I can see that the people attending have built up relationships and broken down barriers which, in such a massively diverse area is great to see.
“It is important for me to get out and about in West Yorkshire to see this fantastic work, say hello and offer what help I can. This is the sort of place that can really benefit from the grant to buy more equipment etc.”
Youth Justice Worker Rachel Whittaker knows first-hand the good that Nick Manners is doing through his gym. She told me “Through my role as a Youth Justice Worker, I bring girls and boys here aged 11-18yrs. Training with Nick builds their confidence and self-esteem as well as teaching them to control their anger and keep them out of trouble. It is a really empowering place for young people. I really hope the gym does get funding so that the equipment can be maintained and this much valued service can continue to be provided.”
Grant round seven for the Safer Communities Fund opened on 30th November and bids close at 5pm on the 29th December. For more information on the fund visit
www.westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund
