A golden spade is touring the UK to mark the 50 year anniversary of Community Payback. It celebrates the positive impacts of Community Payback, and the staff who have made it possible.
Matt joined people participating in a current scheme in Stockton, replanting allotments.
Initially known as Community Service, Community Payback helps people on probation to gain skills and experience which benefit communities, whilst completing their requirements.
It can provide an incredibly positive impact on those who participate, seeing offenders bypass the prison system in favour of giving back to the community and offering value to taxpayers.
Projects can include clearing allotments, repairing community buildings, planting trees or even turning donated wood into furniture.
To commemorate the 50 years since its Nottingham origin, a golden spade is touring the 12 regions of Community Payback activities around the UK. The spade symbolises the success of the Community Payback scheme.
Speaking after the visit, Matt Vickers MP said: “From visiting various Community Payback schemes in the past, I know that despite the hard work, people on probation find them very rewarding.
“The schemes can help those on probation with important steps in their rehabilitation journey. Through engaging in community projects people can develop skills to open new opportunities, and find pride in their local spaces through their own hard work.
“Above all, this unpaid work sends the message that the law will be enforced and for any crime you commit, there will be consequences.
“Alongside those involved, our local community also benefits hugely from the Community Payback schemes, as local people are able to nominate their own community projects to be involved.”
Activities will be held each month across all 12 probation regions throughout the year. The North East has been chosen as a focus for May.
