Date: 14/07/2009

Issued in partnership with West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Together

Young people are being involved in an innovative project in the Wakefield district to highlight the impact crime can have on everyone’s lives.

A film is being produced as a direct result of what young people said at a recent Students Speak event, which is part of the Wakefield Together programme to engage with people across the district.

At a recent event, students from 14 schools across the district raised issues and concerns in a community and safety workshop.

As a result partners including West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance Service, have listened to what they said and have been working together to make a film to address some of the issues raised by young people for young people.

Drama students from Airedale High School in Castleford are helping to write and star in a film which aims to highlight the impact and consequences of becoming involved in crime. The film will cover the impact of crime on the individual, the victim and on emergency service provision.

A group of local young actors have auditioned to appear in the short film to be produced on location in the Wakefield district this summer. The film shows how a young person progresses from taking a moped and then a car which is then used for joyriding. The car is then involved in an accident drawing on the resources of emergency services and impacting on the wider community.

Marcus Periera, drama student from Airedale High School, said: “We all really enjoyed the workshop and it was great to have a say in what the film is going to look like and editing the script. Using our favourite songs and ring tones will make the film more realistic and appealing to our age group.”

The film will form part of an educational programme which will be delivered by Neighbourhood Police Officers and will be seen by young audiences in schools and youth clubs across the district.

Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan, Divisional Commander of Wakefield District Police, said:  “The first step towards a life of crime usually begins with relatively minor offences but can quickly progress to something which has a devastating impact on people’s lives.

“What we hope to achieve from this is that young people will stop and think before they do something which could totally change their lives – it’s all about the impact that the crime has on other people’s lives and the consequences for themselves.”

Cllr Peter Box, leader of Wakefield Council and chairman of Wakefield Together, said: “This weekend young people have really shown their dedication towards making our district a safer place.

“It’s fantastic that they are doing such creative and inspirational work while at the same time driving forward service improvements for citizens through the partnership.”

Rick Hemingway, Wakefield Assistant District Manager for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The film illustrates the fatal consequences that can occur when emergency services are dealing with other incidents involving criminal activity and anti social behaviour.”

For more information about Wakefield Together visit www.wakefieldtogether.org.uk