BYCA is Bristol’s version of National Crimebeat, an initiative led by High Sheriffs nationwide to reduce crime in communities.

The overall aim of BYCA is to deliver a coordinated programme of fun and exciting activities and provide opportunities and positive experiences for children and young people in identified areas of social deprivation, reducing their risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour.

The project is coordinated by a steering group chaired by the High Sheriff of Bristol and made up of representatives from Bristol City Council (Youth and Play Services, Bristol Youth Offending Team and Safer Bristol Partnership), Connexions West of England, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Children’s Fund, representation from the voluntary sector (Young Bristol), Quartet Community Foundation and representatives from the business sector.

In 2004 the BYCA steering group implemented a new strategy for the project to focus its work on certain areas of the city that are not in receipt of major government funding streams, in order to build capacity and partnerships and benefit young people living in those areas. All funds raised by the High Sheriff are directly used to support these areas in providing diversionary activities.

BYCA is a multi-agency project positioned within the Youth and Play Services structure and based at Bristol Youth Offending Team, as part of the Prevention Team. The project operates a coordinated and multi-agency approach to integrated planning and delivery of both community-based and targeted provisions, to improve the lives of children and young people.

BYCA’s Main Areas of Work Include:

• BYCA Community Action Grants;
• BYCA Holiday Activity Funding Scheme;
• Capacity and partnership building in communities, to support development of youth and play work provision for children and young people;
• School holiday activity programmes to support youth and community groups;
• Positive Activities funding distribution in partnership with Connexions West of England;
• Coordination of Drug Arrest Referral Scheme, FRANK promotion and contribution to Bristol Youth Offending Team prevention and diversionary work, including Youth Inclusion Project and Youth Inclusion and Support Panel work;
• Community Safety Initiatives.
• Positive Activities Funding Distribution

School Holiday Activity Programme

BYCA coordinates a wide-ranging, subsidised activity programme during school holiday periods for youth and community groups operating citywide.

In addition to the community programme, BYCA deliver a targeted activity programme for young people identified as being at risk of disengaging or anti-social/offending behaviour via referral from Bristol Youth Offending Team, Connexions West of England and citywide Prevention Projects. This work is funded by Positive Activities.

For further details of the activities available, or to be added to our mailing list for future holiday activity programmes, please contact us>

Coordination of Drug Arrest Referral Scheme and FRANK Promotion

This work is undertaken in partnership with Safer Bristol Partnership and Bristol Youth Offending Team to promote drug awareness and provide access to appropriate information and services for young people across the city. Frank is promoted through youth and community facilities citywide, whilst the Drug Arrest Referral Scheme targets assistance to young people in police stations who have been arrested.

Community Safety Initiatives

This involves providing support and advice in the development of new young people-focussed community safety projects, such as detached youth work and youth shelters.

Please contact us for further information about any of BYCA’s areas of work outlined above.

Click here to download BYCA's appeals brochure and find out how to donate to BYCA> [Pdf]