Over the last 3 years, MYP have carried out 2 local authority wide youth surveys, obtaining the views of over 2000 young people aged 12-21years. Both these surveys highlighted crime and anti-social behaviour as the biggest issue for young people in Midlothian and MYP decided that they would like to do something about this issue.
After a number of discussions between young people on Midlothian Youth Platform and Lothian & Borders Police, it was decided to apply for funding for a partnership film-making project focusing on antisocial behaviour. With a successful bid to Midlothian Community Safety Fund, the group decided to make a film accompanied with a resource booklet aimed to:
• Raise awareness of what constitutes Anti-Social Behaviour
• Raise awareness of the consequences of Anti-Social Behaviour, crime and vandalism to the community
• Increase understanding of victim awareness
• Increase understanding of choices and consequences
• Increase public involvement in the drive to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour, crime and vandalism
• Reduce the fear of crime
Over the summer months (2010) 12 members dedicated a lot of their free time to creating the film and at the MYP Youth Participation Showcase event on the 28th April 2011, MYP launched their “Antisocial behaviour: What’s the deal?” film and resource booklet.
Introducing the film were PC David Sinclair-Gunn and Ben McNeill from Elevator Video, who worked closely with the project members to produce an excellent educational film.
Robert Innes – Community Safety manager commented that “This valuable project not only will provide the community safety team with the tools to effectively tackle wider ranges of antisocial behaviour, it also demonstrates the knowledge and different perspectives of people within our community. The film highlights the talent pool of young people that we have and the effort and professionalism demonstrated to make this is highly admirable. I look forward to working together on such projects in the future.”
The resource will be used by the Safer Communities Team with all second year students in Midlothian secondary schools.
Having seen the film at the Youth Participation Showcase, Colin Taylor – Head of Education, stated “This is an excellent resource which will engage our students in exciting and interesting activities which will promote meaningful dialogue around the issues of antisocial behaviour and victim awareness”.
A number of MYP members have decided to pilot the educational resource film to community groups targeting both older members of the community as well as young people. With skills in facilitation and peer education MYP will carry out an evaluation of the new resource’s impact.
If you would like a copy of the “Antisocial behaviour: What’s the deal?” film and resource booklet, contact Clare Taylor-Brown on 0131 271 3714 of email: clare.taylor-brown@midlothian.gov.uk.
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