A PROJECT aimed at helping children and teenagers across Test Valley has been honoured.

Test Valley Partnership’s Intervention, Communication, Education (ICE) project was a finalist in the Youth Justice category of the prestigious Children and Young People Now Awards (CYPN) 2018.

ICE is an early-intervention partnership project aimed at young people who may be going through difficult periods of their lives and be at risk of making choices which could negatively impact their futures.

Through workshops, youngsters are educated on actions and consequences relating to fire safety, hate crimes, drugs and anti-social behaviour among other topics. ICE also provides sessions that promote good citizenship, team building and improved school attendance, plus the opportunity to complete the Duke of Cornwall’s Community Award.

Test Valley Borough Council’s community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward, said: “It is always fantastic to know that the partnership’s hard work is being noticed, along with the positive benefits it provides for young people in our community. The progress we continue to make is only possible because of the teamwork and commitment of the partners.”

Test Valley Borough Council partnered with Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Army and Youth Crime Prevention Team for the project, which is funded by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner.

At the awards ceremony held in London last month, the partnership narrowly missed out on the top prize, which was awarded to the Howard League of Penal Reform.