Ref: PR 2375
Date: 26/10/2009

‘Impact and Consequences’, a film aimed at reducing crime and anti social behaviour among young people, will be shown for the very first time during ‘Not in my Neighbourhood Week’ at Airedale High School.

A clip of the film was shown to Prime Minister Gordon Brown on a visit to Wakefield last week, when he met the students who made the DVD and praised the work they had done. The Prime Minister said: “I want to congratulate Airedale School for all they’ve done and I hope your DVD will be seen not just locally but on national television too.”

The film, which has been shortlisted for an award in two categories at this year’s ‘Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Awards’, reveals the consequences resulting from anti social behaviour on the individual, the victim, emergency services and the wider community.

It has been produced in direct response to what young people from around 14 schools said in a special crime and safety workshop at a recent Student Speak event, which is part of the Wakefield Together programme to engage with people across the district. 

As a result partners including West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the Ambulance Service and Her Majesty’s Courts 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 have helped to write and are starring in the film. A group of local young actors auditioned to appear in the 25 minute production which was made 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 later involved in an accident drawing on the resources of emergency services and impacting on the wider community. The film moves on to cover the arrest and subsequent trial of those involved followed by restorative justice mediation.

Marcus Periera, drama student from Airedale High School, who plays ‘Lish’ said: “We all really enjoyed the initial workshop and it was great to have a say in the making of the film. Using our favourite songs and ring tones makes it more realistic and appealing to our age group. It is a powerful drama with some strong messages in it which should hit home with everyone.”

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. It was produced by West Yorkshire Police using funds seized back from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).  

Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan, Divisional Commander of Wakefield District Police, hopes that the film will act as a deterrent by highlighting the consequences of entering the criminal justice system and its impact on future life choices. “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,” he said. “We want young people to stop and think before they do something which could totally change their future. We are always looking for innovative ways to engage young people and have been really pleased to work alongside them as well as our partners to make this happen.”

Cllr Peter Box, leader of Wakefield Council and Chair of Wakefield Together, said: “It is only by listening to and working with young people can we really know how to effectively help educate them about a number of issues which affect their lives including anti-social behaviour. “When young people told us at a recent Wakefield Student Speaks event that they wanted to know more about the impacts and consequences of anti-social behaviour, we listened and helped them by producing this resource. “The students led the way by developing the DVD as well as acting in it and we are confident this resource will deliver some very clear messages about the devastating consequences of such behaviour.”

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. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is at the front line of response when dealing with road traffic collisions where people are trapped.

We hope that this kind of activity will allow our young people an opportunity to see the devastating consequences of collisions. A road traffic collision can cause horrific, debilitating life-long injuries which may prevent a person from fulfilling their life-long dreams or even normal everyday activities. Simple acts such as wearing a seatbelt can substantially reduce the risk of serious injury or even death."

Alan Peart, Assistant Director of Operations (Leeds and Wakefield) for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:"This educational film is a great way to highlight the effects that crime and anti-social behaviour can have on the emergency services.

"For instance, while the ambulance service is tied up dealing with a road traffic collision caused by joyriding they may be delayed in getting to a patient who may be suffering from a heart attack and needs urgent medical attention.

"Hopefully the film it will make young people think more carefully about the decisions they make and the consequences of their actions in the future."

For more information about Wakefield Together visit www.wakefieldtogether.org.uk -see related links

To view a clip (Quicktime Movie) from the DVD click the link in related links (http://80.193.87.20/impact_and_consequences)

Then RIGHT CLICK over file name and "Save Target As" to save file to your local machine. Note: 20mb .mov file please be patient while waiting to download.

Ends.