Review of the Aston Project

The Aston Project is a community focused initiative that identifies at-risk young people and links them with resources or activities within their local communities. It is managed by Gloucestershire Constabulary and operates at three sites across Gloucestershire: Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Newent. This review evaluates the impact of the Aston Project, and identifies examples of good practice and areas for potential improvement. It was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, and conducted by academics and researchers in the School of Natural and Social Sciences at the University of Gloucestershire. Between April and December 2016, the University researchers spoke to thirteen members of the Aston Project team, conducted focus groups with participating Young People, and analysed a range of documents, reports and other supporting evidence relating to the Aston Project. The review concludes that there are a range of clear successes from the Aston Project and that there is evidence of positive impact on the lives of young people and communities across Gloucestershire. There is, however, both the need and opportunity to develop aspects of the Aston Project. The review offers a number of recommendations for the Aston Project team to consider. In particular, the close association with Great Expectations means there is a lack of clarity in what constitutes ‘core’ Aston Project work. The review, therefore, recommends that the Aston Project Consider revising their mission statement, aims, and objectives so that they relate specifically to the Aston Project. The review concludes with some resources that the Aston project team might find of use when considering and implementing change.