Matthew Barber, Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, has welcomed this year’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week

ASB Awareness Week is the national campaign bringing together policing, housing, local government, charities and community partners to shine a spotlight on ASB, strengthen local responses, and amplify the rights of victims.

Matthew Barber said: “I am pleased to support this year’s ASB Awareness Week, which encourages communities to take a stand against ASB and highlights the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.

“ASB remains a key concern for Thames Valley residents and, although it doesn’t often have a direct victim, it can cause significant harm and distress.

“Earlier this year, I was pleased to welcome the launch of Thames Valley Police’s ASB Action Plan. It sets out the force’s clear commitment and approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, and my office will work closely with them to support delivery and hold them to account.”

Anti-social behaviour can take many forms, from aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour to neighbourhood disturbances involving drugs or animals. If you’ve witnessed anti-social behaviour, please report it to Thames Valley Police using their online ASB reporting tool.

Matthew added: “As part of my latest Annual Report published last week, my office has detailed its progress in tackling anti-social behaviour across Thames Valley.

“Over the last 12 months our dedicated mediation service, Alternatives to Conflict, has exceeded our originally envisaged throughput with over 370 referrals for support covering a wide range of issues.

“This reflects sustained engagement from police officers and partners, alongside the growing recognition of mediation as an effective early intervention tool.

“I look forward to seeing the continued impact of the service in making communities safer, in support of my Police and Crime Plan for the Thames Valley.”

Mediation provides an independent support service and can offer a solution when there is no clear course of action open to a statutory agency, such as the police or local authority. It also represents an alternative to court proceedings and intervention by statutory agencies.

Anthea Beeks, CEO for Alternatives to Conflict, said: “Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, we welcome this year’s ASB Awareness Week.

“We see first-hand the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and communities, and the importance of addressing issues early.

“By supporting people to resolve disputes through mediation, we can help prevent situations from escalating and contribute to safer, more respectful neighbourhoods across Thames Valley.”

Feedback from clients who have used the Thames Valley Mediation Service include:

“It was immensely helpful to have Mediators involved as it made me feel “listened” to. Also, getting both parties to have a face-to-face meeting is a very good idea. This gives us a chance to express what we are going through especially when we feel victimised. Nobody must have to suffer in silence. Hopefully, the matter will be resolved now.”

“It was a very safe place to talk. Great timing schedule. Once I’d been through the process of Conflict Support the process made complete sense and I understood what I was dealing with.”

If you would like to access mediation support, please contact Alternatives to Conflict by visiting their website.