02/07/2008
Drama helps cut crime
A project to get young people to turn their backs on guns, gangs and anti-social behaviour is already producing results.
The 'Act Together' initiative has seen seven schools each develop dance and drama workshops in one of seven subject chosen from the findings of the Liverpool City Council's Young Persons 'Feelings of Safety' Survey.
The themes covered were all found to impact on young people's feelings of safety within their community and include racism, gangs, drugs, alcohol, vandalism and graffiti, bullying and anti-social behaviour.
Students from North Liverpool Academy will be performing a fifteen minute drama based on the theme of gangs and the consequences of being a gang member.
Councillor Marilyn Fielding, executive member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: "Initiatives like these can have a major impact on crime and anti social behaviour. "Liverpool is already one of the safest metropolitan cities in the country and excellent initiatives like these will help it stay that way.
"So far these workshops have proved extremely popular. They give young people the opportunity to stop and think about the consequences of their actions and what type of life they want to lead."
All seven secondary schools are involved with the Safer Schools Partnership which sees officers from Merseyside Police working within the school. Each school will develop and deliver a 10 to 15 minute drama or dance performance to at least three other schools.
'Act Together' is being run by Citysafe, Liverpool's crime and disorder reduction partnership. Colin Hilton, chief executive of Liverpool City Council and chair of Citysafe, will be presenting prizes to all the young people involved at an event at the Liverpool Echo Arena and BT Conference Centre next Tuesday (8th July) along with Simon Byrne assistant chief constable for Merseyside Police.
Colin Hilton said: "I believe that the young people who have taken part deserve recognition for their efforts. Performing in front of pupils, teachers, family and friends is no mean feat. As well as helping our young people to turn away from crime, the project is also giving them a chance to experience a professional drama environment."
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