New Flint martial arts hub aims to cut antisocial behaviour
A new project in Flint aims to reduce the potential for antisocial behaviour and promote positive community engagement, with funding support from the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin.
The project, Flint Community Empowerment Hub: Martial Arts for Positive Change, brings Cobra Life’s youth development and empowerment programme to a new dedicated hub in Flint town centre.
The programme has previously operated in Shotton and Buckley.
The Innovate to Grow fund invests in projects that tackle the root causes of crime across North Wales, particularly those offering preventative approaches that support young people and strengthen communities.
The programme delivered by Cobra Life Family Martial Arts offers structured martial arts sessions, youth engagement, mentoring, physical fitness activities and values-based learning.
It aims to help young people develop discipline, confidence, resilience and positive behaviour in a safe and inclusive setting.
PCC Dunbobbin visited the new hub on Castle Street to meet Instructor Mr Holdstock and speak with young people taking part.
During the visit he watched a youth class, observed an advanced session and pad work, joined several drills with students and spoke with parents about the early impact of the project.
He also met Gavin Eastham, Director of Cobra Life, to discuss long-term plans and the role the hub hopes to play in reducing antisocial behaviour locally.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin commented: “It was fantastic to visit Cobra Life’s new hub in Flint and to learn about their Martial Arts for Positive Change programme. This sort of project is what my Innovate to Grow initiative is all about – helping fund and foster exciting and new ways of reducing and dealing with the root causes of crime. In this case that means teaching young people the self-discipline and respect inherent in martial arts and giving them worthwhile activities to get involved in, when they might otherwise be on the street and tempted to get involved in bad behaviour. Young people are our future and we should make every effort to invest in them and show them how much society cares about them. I am proud that we have been able to support this project and look forward to seeing the difference it will make in Flint and the wider Deeside area.”
Gavin Eastham, Director of Cobra Life Family Martial Arts Black Belt Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support shown through the Innovate to Grow initiative. Our aim has always been simple — to give young people a safe, positive place to grow in confidence, discipline and self-belief. Seeing the enthusiasm from the PCC and having the opportunity to show him the passion of our students, parents and instructors means a great deal to us. This programme is still in its early stages here in Flint, but we are committed to building something that genuinely improves lives and strengthens our community for years to come.”
Mr Dunbobbin has allocated £100,000 through this round of Innovate to Grow funding to support community-led initiatives focused on tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting vulnerable people and helping young people make positive life choices.
More on the grants here: https://www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk/opcc-commissioning-grants-available
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