Carl Simms, Youth Engagement Manager for Child Action North West (CANW) has been recognised with an award for his exceptional contributions to the Hyndburn community.  

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Carl was awarded the ‘Chair’s Award’ by Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards event in London for his innovative approach to tackling youth-related issues.  

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CAP is a national organisation that sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

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Carl has been a driving force behind the Hyndburn Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP), actively participating in meetings, promoting CAP initiatives through blog posts and media engagement, and consistently demonstrating his commitment to the community. His ground-breaking work has been showcased nationally, including a feature on ITV News alongside the Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Yvette Cooper MP.

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Using cutting-edge technology, Carl has developed interactive virtual reality workshops that provide children and young people with immersive experiences. These workshops teach valuable lessons about decision-making, alcohol education, and the consequences of risky behaviour, engaging them in a unique and impactful way.  

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Through CANW, Carl has spearheaded ground-breaking programmes such as the “Tackling Not Tolerating” project, in partnership with Hyndburn CAP, Tesco Groundwork, and Lancashire Police. This initiative tackles anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, and criminal exploitation by engaging young people through mobile units, virtual reality workshops, and early intervention programmes. By targeting hotspots identified in collaboration with local police and consulting with young people and the community, Carl and his team have effectively addressed rising anti-social behaviour incidents and supported vulnerable children at risk of exploitation.

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Carl comments:  

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“Thanks to the Community Alcohol Partnership, the funding meant we were able to pilot a Virtual Reality project that allowed us to get to the root cause of the young people’s behaviour; we are able to help educate them around issues such as substance misuse, criminality and alcohol and help them make better choices.

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We can already see a positive difference the project has made to some of the young people.  This will make a big difference to young people’s lives.”

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Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP comments:

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"Carl's dedication and innovative approach to tackling youth issues in Hyndburn is truly commendable. His work with virtual reality and the 'Tackling Not Tolerating' project exemplifies the kind of creative and impactful solutions that CAP aims to support. We are incredibly proud to recognise his contributions with this year's Chair's Award."

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For media information, please contact: Samantha Patel, Communications Manager - sam@communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk

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