Sidestep Flintshire wins top Safer Communities Award
A Flintshire-based project has received national recognition for its work supporting young people at risk of criminal exploitation.
Sidestep Flintshire, run by Action for Children, was named joint overall winner at the 2025 Wales Safer Communities Awards, held at Aberystwyth University on Thursday 27 November.
The event celebrated 33 individuals, teams and partnerships across Wales that have made a difference in preventing crime, supporting victims, and building stronger, safer communities.
Sidestep Flintshire shared the top honour with the Positive Masculinity Initiative from Media Academy Cymru.
Both were praised for their preventative and partnership-led approaches to community safety.
The Flintshire project was recognised for its trauma-informed, relationship-based work with young people across North Wales, providing tailored support to those vulnerable to criminal or sexual exploitation.
Judges said the programme had set a “benchmark” for effective multi-agency collaboration and safeguarding practice.
Jane Mudd, Co-Chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales and Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, said: “It is inspiring to see the strength of partnership work taking place across Wales, responding to local needs and delivering genuinely life-changing initiatives.
“It’s heartening to see how prevention is at the heart of so many of these initiatives.”
“These awards celebrate the dedication and innovation of those working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, especially in challenging times. By sharing best practice and learning from each other, we can continue to make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Councillor Jason McLellan, Co-Chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales and Leader of Denbighshire Council, said: “Despite the pressures facing public services, the passion and commitment of staff and volunteers across Wales shines through.”
“They know their communities and the unique challenges facing them and are committed to developing solutions that make a real difference at a local level.”
“These awards highlight the resilience and creativity of those working on the frontline of community safety. Their efforts are helping to build safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.”
Other North Wales winners included PC Mel Cartledge-Davies, Youth Engagement Officer for North Wales Police, who received an Individual Contribution Award for her work with young people, and David Williams of North Wales Police alongside Richard Chance from Creu Menter, who won the Crime Prevention category for developing a secure, certified garden shed design.
The Hwb Cymunedol Amrywiol Môn Diverse Community Hub on Anglesey also received recognition for promoting inclusion and wellbeing among diverse communities in North Wales.
The Safer Communities Network, overseen by the Safer Communities Board for Wales, aims to strengthen collaboration between public bodies, charities and communities to create safe, confident and inclusive environments.
Full details of the awards and winners can be found at www.safercommunities.wales
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