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The launch of our SmartJustice for Young People campaign in the North East
Young people from across the North East came together at the Arc in Stockton in April to launch the Smart Justice for Young People campaign and arts project. They had a chance to find out more about the high levels of young people held in prison in England and Wales, and an opportunity to discuss what might be effective alternatives to custody. Most of the attendees agreed that more money should be spent on tackling the causes of crime rather than building new prisons. They also felt strongly that there wasn't enough for young people to do and were adamant that young people don't deserve the bad name they get in the press.
The event was compered by Karen Wight, a DJ from Galaxy FM and featured young poets, actors, dancers and DVDs. The launch event marks the start of a programme of arts workshops funded by the Arts Council North East and the Northern Rock Foundation. These will take place in different parts of the region and will culminate in a young people's arts festival at the Eye of the Fly in August.
Karen Wight said 'The media like to paint a picture of all young people as yobs, thugs and hoodies. But the reality is that young people are more likely to be victims of crime. I think it's great that Smart Justice is challenging the idea that prison is always the solution, and I want to see more resources going into projects that provide constructive stuff for young people to do.'
Jessica Johnson, a local actor who starred in the film School for Seduction said, 'I'm proud to be a supporter of the Smart Justice campaign. And I'm proud of the fact that I'm making a success of my life, when many other care leavers go straight from one institution to another. Getting involved in drama was the best thing I ever did and I am a passionate believer that the arts can help young people create a positive future for themselves.'
The campaign has built a partnership involving a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies, including local Youth Offending Teams.
Tony Hodgson, Manager of Stockton Youth Offending Service, 'We are working hard to prevent offending by children and young people. We believe that most young people can make good and that the programmes we put in place enable the young person to tackle the problems they face in their home community. Once in a prison cell young people no longer have responsibility for their actions. With community punishments, young people have to make amends for what they have done to the community, and where possible to individuals, including other young people.'
Young people from across the North East came together at the Arc in Stockton in April to launch the Smart Justice for Young People campaign and arts project. They had a chance to find out more about the high levels of young people held in prison in England and Wales, and an opportunity to discuss what might be effective alternatives to custody. Most of the attendees agreed that more money should be spent on tackling the causes of crime rather than building new prisons. They also felt strongly that there wasn't enough for young people to do and were adamant that young people don't deserve the bad name they get in the press.
The event was compered by Karen Wight, a DJ from Galaxy FM and featured young poets, actors, dancers and DVDs. The launch event marks the start of a programme of arts workshops funded by the Arts Council North East and the Northern Rock Foundation. These will take place in different parts of the region and will culminate in a young people's arts festival at the Eye of the Fly in August.
Karen Wight said 'The media like to paint a picture of all young people as yobs, thugs and hoodies. But the reality is that young people are more likely to be victims of crime. I think it's great that Smart Justice is challenging the idea that prison is always the solution, and I want to see more resources going into projects that provide constructive stuff for young people to do.'
Jessica Johnson, a local actor who starred in the film School for Seduction said, 'I'm proud to be a supporter of the Smart Justice campaign. And I'm proud of the fact that I'm making a success of my life, when many other care leavers go straight from one institution to another. Getting involved in drama was the best thing I ever did and I am a passionate believer that the arts can help young people create a positive future for themselves.'
The campaign has built a partnership involving a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies, including local Youth Offending Teams.
Tony Hodgson, Manager of Stockton Youth Offending Service, 'We are working hard to prevent offending by children and young people. We believe that most young people can make good and that the programmes we put in place enable the young person to tackle the problems they face in their home community. Once in a prison cell young people no longer have responsibility for their actions. With community punishments, young people have to make amends for what they have done to the community, and where possible to individuals, including other young people.'
