Designs Against Crime
Irwell Valley launches exciting Design Anti-Crime programme with Manchester Arndale, through Prudential 4 Youth charity Catch22 and the University of Salford.
The pilot project was launched on 15th September 2009 at the University of Salford School of Art & Design where groups of young people from Albion High School in Salford, Salford Youth Forum, North Manchester Youth Inclusion Project and Cheetwood Youth Contact Team came together to identify crime and safety issues affecting their communities and to develop design solutions to address the problems.
The project is the initiative of Irwell Valley and Catch 22 who approached Salford and Manchester local authorities to consider the benefit of a cross partnership agreement to create diversionary projects for young people.
Funded by Irwell Valley, Manchester Arndale and the University of Salford School of Arts & Design, it also brings together key stakeholders from Manchester and Salford Youth Service, as well as Greater Manchester Police.
Heather Mullins, Neighbourhood Manager at Irwell Valley said:
“I'm delighted with how those early proposals have taken shape through the expertise and invaluable support of the Design Against Crime Solutions Centre, Manchester Arndale and Prudential 4 Youth. The launch was a great success. Engaging and involving young people in imaginative and creative projects that will improve their environment leads to sustainable solutions and benefits everyone."
Norman Lloyd, Catch22 National Programme Manager for Prudential 4 Youth added:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in Manchester and Salford which will help to change the often negative perceptions that appear in the press. Prudential 4 Youth projects have demonstrated that, given opportunities of this kind, young people bring imagination and innovation to tackling difficult community issues.”
Andrew Wootton, Director of the Design Against Crime Solution Centre said:
“It’s important for young people to have a voice in their community. Too often they may be seen at the source of problems, but we hope the Youth Action Challenge will demonstrate the value of young people’s creativity and insight in developing solutions.”
Glen Barkworth, General Manager for Manchester Arndale commented:
“Getting young people involved in the real issues is, I feel, the single most effective step towards making a positive change. Our role within the city has always been underpinned by a social conscience and this is a fantastic final project for us to be involved in.”
Over the next 2 months, groups will be working with the support of police mentors towards a Showcase evening on Tuesday 24th November 2009 when they will present their design ideas to combat crime and anti-social behaviour to a panel of judges.
end
Notes to Editors
Irwell Valley is a Registered Social Landlord established in 1973 and provides award winning homes and services to over 20,000 residents across Greater Manchester. Irwell Valley was the first Association in the UK to introduce an incentives and rewards scheme for residents. Gold Service has since been rolled out to RLSs across Britain and Europe. To see how we do it, visit www.irwellvalleyha.co.uk
Prudential 4 Youth
Prudential 4 Youth is a 16 year partnership between Prudential, PRUPIM and Catch22. Prudential 4 Youth is funded by Prudential Plc and is based on the proven Youth Action Group approach The Programme engages young people as partners in tackling crime and community safety issues through active citizenship and social enterprise. Prudential 4 Youth has been working with Prudential owned shopping centres across England and Wales and has successfully created and developed a wide ranging portfolio of projects.
PRUPIM is a leading global real estate investment manager with over 140 years experience. We have £15.8 billion assets under management around the world (as at 31/12/08). PRUPIM forms part of the M&G Group of Companies which is the asset management arm of Prudential Plc in the UK and Europe.
Catch22 is the new charity formed by the merger of young people’s
charity Rainer and crime prevention charity Crime Concern in July 2008. Catch22 works with 37,000 young people in more than 150 places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It helps young people find ways out of tough situations by building strong relationships with them and tackling the problems they face through specialist projects.
To find out more go to www.catch-22.org.uk