Young people of the borough unite

Young people and professionals will unite to discuss and decide ways the borough can improve community relationships and perceptions of safety.

Up to 200 young people from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale will join the Police and Rochdale Borough Council’s community safety team as part of the safe4summer campaign, to discuss issues such antisocial behaviour, crime and disorder, drugs, alcohol, racism and community cohesion and how it affects them and their communities.

Jeanette Staley, Acting Community Safety Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We want to develop a better understanding, increase respect and improve relationships between different groups of young people; and young people and statutory agencies. Every year since 2004, local agencies have come together with young people to find positive solutions to some of the problems that affect them and their communities.”

Ted Flynn, cabinet member for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “This event will give young people the opportunity to interact with professionals in a less formal or intimidating environment and aims to get youngsters to think about the consequences of their actions if they are taking part in antisocial behaviour. Bringing everyone together will go some way in promoting the benefits of acceptance and tolerance.”

The event is taking place at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton on Thursday 6 August 2009, is to be a day of interactive activities and workshops. The more activities the young people successfully complete will earn them points to carry out funded projects in the local area with help from youth workers and Police Community Support Officers, these are designed to benefit the wider community. The event will continue late into the evening with a disco and musical performances from Middleton PopStars until 10pm.