Croydon Youth Development Trust

Croydon Auto and Bike Scheme (CABS)
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CABS logoBackground

THE Croydon Auto & Bike Scheme (CABS) is the successor to a smaller yet successful project in New Addington. 

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Following discussions with a multi-agency think tank on youth crime in the Borough, CYDT agreed to develop the New Addington project into a borough-wide scheme.  So CABS was born.  

The Trust was successful in obtaining sufficient funding from grant giving trusts and charities to develop a small workshop facility and pay the salary and operating costs of a Project Worker as well as a half-time mechanic/instructor and a part-time youth worker. Just as the project was starting, the Fieldway Local Action Group (FLAG), an initiative funded through the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, invited CYDT to concentrate its efforts on an identified group of young people in the locality who were engaged in auto crime.  The Trustees agreed to make this its initial priority and entered into a contract with FLAG to provide a programme of activities to be based at the Wayside Centre, alongside the former CETS (Continuing Education and Training Service) which has overall management responsibility for the Centre. CABS was launched at Wayside in 1997.

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CABS CABS CABS

 

In 1999 there was a major breakthrough when CABS was successful in securing a grant for three years from the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, to develop the project as a Borough wide venture.  This required the local authority to provide some match funding and guarantee the project's income.

In 2001 the Trust secured a lease on more centrally located premises at 64/66 Windmill Road, Croydon.  This is now CABS new Headquarters and also provides space for some of the Trust's other projects.  With the assistance of a grant from the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) the Trust purchased a site adjoining the Wayside  Centre which operates as a CABS satellite. CABS

The Project

CABS works with young people between the ages of 13 and 19 years.  The key themes of the project are: 

 To specialise in work with young people who are involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in criminal activity or whose behaviour puts them at risk. 

 To provide an innovative service to young people who do not use or are unable to access the more conventional youth clubs.

 To provide an environment where young people are challenged, motivated & encouraged to reach their potential.

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The New Directions Course 

The evening sessions are split into two main areas:

 Personal and Social Development covering issues such as managing conflict, moral dilemmas, drug misuse & sexual health.

 Basic bike maintenance and bike riding skills. 

Central to the work of CABS is the ten-week New Directions Course.  The course runs for two evenings a week and there are two residential weekends and other weekend activities.

These courses are authenticated by John Ruskin College who give young people a certificate to add to their record of achievement.  Young people who complete the course are encouraged to attend post course activities with the project or may be referred other projects where appropriate.   

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CABS also works with young people from other agencies including Pupil Referral Units (for excluded or disruptive pupils) who attend the CABS centre for tailor-made programmes.

The development of this project has been really exciting.  It is making a big impact in reducing youth crime as well as boosting the prospects of hundreds of young people each year. Since its inception in 1996 the project has worked with more than 1500 young people.

The Project staff, led by Clinton Waller, comprise Tony Roffey,Tony Woodhams, Drew Corbin and Mohammed Suma – Keita.

Cllinton Waller Tony Woodhams Drew Corbin Tony Roffey

For more information, or to make a referral, please contact Clinton Waller at 64/66 Windmill Road, Croydon, CR0 2XP, Telephone  (020) 8683 7253,  E-Mail: clinton.waller@cydt.org.uk 

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Page last updated: 6th November 2009

Croydon Youth Development Trust

64/66 Windmill Road - Croydon - CR0 2XP
Telephone 020 8683 7250 Fax: 020 8665 6660  E-Mail
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