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Safer Neighbourhoods Challenge encourages youth community action

The Safer Neighbourhoods Annual Challenge 2010, run by Islington Police with Islington Council, is to return following a successful first challenge last year. Asking the question, "What can you do to make your neighbourhood safer?" the initiative aims to get young people involved in the safety and wellbeing of their community by designing and running projects to tackle problems in the local area.

The SNAC was first introduced in Hammersmith and Fulham, and in 2009 Islington became the second borough to run the competition. The scheme is open to people aged 5-19 who attend a primary or secondary school, college or youth club in Islington. Last year's winners included groups from the North London Central Mosque and the White Lion Youth Centre.

Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Executive Member for Community Safety welcomed the project, saying, "young people do a huge amount of good in Islington, and with this project they can help make the borough even safer for all, a top priority for both the council and police.""

"It's important that young people have their say about the issues affecting their local communities and are able to help make decisions about what they feel is the best way to solve them," said Councillor Paula Belford, Islington Council's executive member for children and young people.

Groups are encouraged to engage in local activities with a grassroots impact - previous projects have included graffiti removal, five-a-side football leagues for young people, tea parties for older people and a bike marking scheme to discourage cycle theft. The project runs over the Spring Term (4 Jan - 1 April 2010).

Youth-run projects can focus on one of the five Safer neighbourhoods themes of Neighbourhood Improvement, Crime Diversion, Youth Inclusion, Crime Reduction, Crime Awareness. The young people taking part will be divided into three age groups: under 11s, 11-14 and 15-19. Entrants into the competition will have a chance to win trophies, cash prizes and other rewards.

The SNAC10 will be launched at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School on 2nd February at 4.30pm. For more information or to register, see this website.