Under-the-bridge event tackles anti-social behaviour through community collaboration

MILFORD Marina was transformed into a hub of activity and community spirit on Thursday (July 3) as the Summer Safety Fest 2025 took over a known anti-social behaviour hotspot beneath the bridge.

The event, held as part of Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week (June 30 – July 6), brought together dozens of young people, families, and agencies to promote safety, wellbeing, and positive choices ahead of the summer holidays.

Organised by ASB Youth Worker Taylor Trueman, the afternoon event aimed to directly address local concerns around dangerous behaviours such as jumping into the water, theft, assaults, and alcohol-related disorder. The strategic choice of time and location was intended to disrupt these patterns at their source.

A wide network of partners supported the event, including:

• Pembrokeshire Youth Services (lead organiser)
• Port of Milford Haven
• Dyfed-Powys Police
• Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
• Megan’s Starr Foundation
• Milford Youth Matters
• Choices
• DDAS and Cyfle Cymru
• RNLI
• McDonald’s
• Pure West Radio

Interactive workshops were delivered on topics including water safety, substance misuse, mental health, ASB awareness, and fire safety. Local youth workers also ran games, creative sessions and engagement activities throughout the day. Around 45 young people attended.

Sean Seymour-Davies, Community Youth Worker at Milford Haven Youth Centre, said: “The Summer Safety Fest was a well-organised event that showcased the many support services available for young people and families in Milford Haven.

“With summer approaching, it’s vital that young people understand the risks of things like cold-water swimming, and know where to go for help and support. There are some great summer activities available locally that can help build confidence, foster friendships, and create positive experiences.”

Emily Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for the Port of Milford Haven, added: “It was a really valuable experience. The event allowed local organisations to share vital safety messages in an engaging way. Initiatives like this play a key role in helping young people feel safe, supported and empowered.”

Scott Jenkins from Choices said: “It was a great success. Young people showed real interest in our stand and we hope they took away useful information to keep themselves safe.”

A Youth Justice Case Manager described the event as transformational: “I brought a young person who previously had a poor relationship with police. It was brilliant to see him interacting positively with officers, even offering an apology for past behaviour. That shift in attitude was remarkable.”

Event organiser Taylor Trueman said: “The Summer Safety Fest showed how joined-up, local action can make a real impact. By working together, we’re helping improve safety, create opportunities, and build stronger connections with young people in our community. Thank you to all the agencies involved – I hope this is the first of many collaborative projects in Milford Haven.”

Media partner Pure West Radio helped amplify the event’s safety messages through coverage and promotion across social media and local platforms.

The positive momentum looks set to continue, with partner agencies now exploring future joint programmes and projects for young people and the wider community.