Prison me? No way!

St Cuthbert Year 9 pupils with Simon Danczuk, MP, Ruth Sillence, RBH Communities First Co-ordinator and police officers

Year 9 pupils at St Cuthbert’s RC High School recently experienced a very different day. As part of a borough wide scheme to reduce future rates in crime, students were made aware of the devastating impact that prison could have on their lives.

Students were involved in workshops throughout the day that focused on different aspects of crime and safety awareness ranging from; participation in a mock trial in a court room, role play in a street scene depicting the consequences of anti-social behaviour, speaking to a current inmate, the importance of staying safe online and some even spent time in a replica prison cell.

The consequences of anti-social behaviour were brought home when the pupils turned actors to role play the different people it impacts via a portable street scene. From the mother whose baby wakes up because of noise outside to the shop keeper who has to close down because he is intimidated by young people trying to buy alcohol, the group learned about the wide ranging impact that anti–social behaviour has on the community.

The project, which is run by the No Way Trust, was subsidised by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and is working its way around Rochdale secondary schools. 

Ruth Sillence, RBH Communities First Co-ordinator, said: “We have lots of wonderful young people across our neighbourhoods and we’re determined to do everything we can to allow them to achieve their full potential.

“Part of this involves ensuring that they realise what a grim experience prison is and how harmful it can be to their personal lives and future careers.

Simon Danczuk, MP for Rochdale, joined the pupils for the morning sessions and commented on the great work of Rochdale Borough Housing, he said: "I was delighted to visit St Cuthbert's, there is always a great atmosphere and the project I observed was excellent.

“It is important for lots of reasons that young people know how the criminal justice system works and I'm pleased that St Cuthbert's have got involved in this project."