Community Life

The Croydon Youth Offending Team is celebrating its success in bucking the re-offending trend.

In the six years since the Healthy Living Project was launched, the initiative has achieved a ten percent rate of re-offending amongst those who have taken part. The secret of their success says Project Manager Ally McKinlay lies in connecting with the young people.

"It's about trying to engage young people that are quite hard to engage in some cases and trying to establish what their interests are and finding ways for them to express themselves", he says

Themed art on display

Using art, music and sports, the project has enabled the young people to channel their energy into more positive activities. It's led to an exhibition showcasing their work and talents, entitled 'No Offence 2'.

"A lot of the young people who complete the project see their self-confidence and self-esteem rise and with the right kind of support from the staff, it allows them to feel that they can move onto other things". 

"We've seen young people moving into the arts, music and even college to take things further", Ally continues

Graffiti art on display

Ally is conscious that some people may think this is a soft option for offenders but, as far as he is concerned, helping these young people now will benefit society in the long term. 

“Without a project like this the alternatives are potentially more problems on the streets – all of these young people need support otherwise there are going to be more and more of them out on the streets that are potentially going to get into trouble”, he explains.

With youth offending costing some £5m last year in Croydon alone according to the Audit Commission, any reduction in re-offending could be significant to the borough's tax payers.

No Offence 2 is open until early January at Croydon Clocktower.

Have you seen the exhibition? What are your views? Have you or do you know someone who has taken part in the Healthy Living Project? Has it worked for you? Let me know how it has changed your life. Email: evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk