Following the report in the Journal of December 24 of the youth in Littleham , whose identity had been withheld following an ASBO, I would like to applaud the police for this.
Following the report in the Journal of December 24 of the youth in Littleham , whose identity had been withheld following an ASBO, I would like to applaud the police for this.
As a Christian Youth and Family Worker for Littleham Church and Holy Trinity Church, we do a lot of work on the Littleham Estate, via our youth club, primary, secondary school and detached work etc, and work very closely with the police.
Nick Southern, his beat managers and his community support officers (PCSOs) work extremely hard to build positive relationships with the young people on the estate, and, in my opinion, do a magnificent job.
In the summer, our youth club attended a community football tournament, which was arranged by the police for the young people of Exmouth. It was a tremendous success. This is just one of many initiatives.
From personal experience of working alongside them, they would have given this young person many opportunities before finally, as a last resort, having to issue an ASBO.
Even after the ASBO had been issued, the fact they endorsed the decision not to reveal the identity of the youth shows that a "second chance" is exactly what was needed in this case.
There was evidence in the report to suggest the young person had tried to change, having been given this chance.
I strongly believe in giving youths these opportunities if there is a determination from them to completely change their attitude and behaviour.
Every effort should then be made to help and assist them in continuing to keep this up.
I am also aware, having spoken to some of the youths off the estate, that Nick and his team have come up with some very positive ways to utilise their time, such as repairing bikes etc. This too should be applauded.
Each young person has a choice. It is our role as youth workers, community support workers, police etc, within the community to help them make the correct choice and support them when they do.
Nigel Candelent,
Christian Youth and
Family Worker,
Littleham and Exmouth Parish Churches.
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