Teenagers say: Don't write us off (From Swindon Advertiser)

Teenagers say: Don't write us off

11:00am Monday 8th December 2008

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YOUNG people fed up with being labelled uncaring, feral yobs took to Swindon’s streets in red hoodies as part of the national Don’t Write Us Off campaign.

Instead of terrorising the public, shoppers in Regent Street were challenged by the hoodies to earn unique fortune cookies in return for contributing their own views on tackling issues such as crime, teenage pregnancy, drink, drugs, gangs and education.

Although there is a negative perception of young people in this country, involving them in creating solutions can help inspire positive action

Agents4Change campaigner David Morris

Agents4Change volunteers wanting to take action to improve the future for today’s youth also received the backing of Hazel Blears MP, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

New research undertaken by young people themselves launched as part of the campaign revealed that 36 per cent of 16 to 25 year olds are concerned with issues around life skills and education.

One in three want more activities to be available for today’s youth and youngsters also highlighted the need to organise positive activities to tackle boredom, strengthen communities and help young people keep out of trouble.

A quarter say more should be done to keep streets safe and tackle crime and 13 per cent want to see more positive role models for today’s youth.

Agents4Change campaigner, David Morris said: “Young people obviously think more can be done to improve their futures. We want to show that they can have a voice and are not powerless to tackle local issues.

“Those who feel better education is needed can set up peer to peer education schemes, young people wanting to tackle crime can become mentors or volunteer as special constables and those who want to see more activities could set up their own sports or music activities. “Although there is a negative perception of young people in this country, involving them in creating solutions can help inspire positive action.”

Sian Millward, 17, of Wootton Bassett, said: “We spoke to more than 100 people during the four hours we were in Regent Street. The kids we spoke to would like more activities to get involved in to occupy their time.”

MP Hazel Blears, who has backed the campaign, said: “There are so many myths about young people, so I welcome this effort by Agents4Change to challenge the stereotypes, and prove that young people can play a fantastic role in our communities. Young people’s voices must be heard.”

Pop mogul Pete Waterman was another famous face to log his support for the campaign.

He said: “Having not had the best start in life myself, I am passionate about young people reaching their potential, especially those from socially deprived backgrounds. People from unstable backgrounds can get bored, lack self belief and end up getting into trouble. But if you give them something positive to do, they have a laugh and feel good about themselves. This is the power of involving people in their communities.”

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