A Tale of Two Towers
The Waterfront Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP) is a group of local stakeholders, youth organsiations and other agencies that has been established to help build stronger and more cohesive communities along the Southsea & Old Portsmouth Waterfront.
During this half term week, a WRAP initiative funded by The Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner and spearheaded by Portsmouth Mediation Service (PMS) and our local youth organsiations came together to host a week of Andrew Simpson Sailing sessions off the Camber Dock. This is an area that in the past has seen some tension between local people and a few of the young visitors – but not this week, instead a safe environment was created for some of our young people to enjoy the beauty of the neighbourhood and the thrill of being on the water. After each sailing session the young sailors were invited to The Round Tower for hot chocolate & snacks. They were also invited to participate in restorative feedback circles where their voices and opinions on a range of local issues could be properly heard. On Thursday at The Square Tower the cities top youth organsiations joined together to help stage a fantastic Flagship Youth Community Day with various attractions, activities, food and a visit from The Lord Mayor.
Afterwards Steve Rolls the manager of PMS said “The Restorative idea is that when we team up and collaborate we are stronger and more effective, this has been demonstrated in a very powerful way this week as Portsmouth’s brilliant youth organsiations and services have come together to host something very special for our young people and indeed the local community. This unity attracts others and looking forward we see many other groups and organisations joining this exciting restorative journey – we thank God for the following groups & organisations for their vision and commitment in helping to make this such a wonderful week. Motiv8, Pompey in the Community, Urbond, Andrew Simpson Centre, Tall Ships Trust, PCC Hotwalls Management, The Square Tower, Portsmouth Sailing Club. Spark Community, Space, Leo Film Studios, Portsmouth International Port”