Young people from Liverpool scoop the National Crimebeat Award
A group of young people from Liverpool
are celebrating after winning a prestigious award to recognise their work in
putting together a project to help a group of 14 to 25 year olds improve their
chances in life and not turn to crime. The award was issued in London on
Wednesday, 11 March 2015, by the High Sheriff's Association in England and Wales
and dozens of projects from National Crimebeat, the Association's youth crime
prevention charity, were in the running for the honours. The High Sheriff
of Merseyside, Mrs Abila Pointing MBE DL and Merseyside Police invited
applications from across Merseyside during November 2014. A wide range of
projects were nominated, all with the common theme of supporting young people
and making communities stronger. Subsequently, a local panel chaired by the High
Sheriff selected a number of projects for submission to the national
competition. All of the nominees were recognised at a celebration event at
Merseyside Police Headquarters in March 2015. The 'Emotions'
Project from Liverpool went forward to the final for the 2015 National Crimebeat
awards (category B) and was announced as the overall winner at a ceremony in
London, on Wednesday, 11 March 2015.
Just to explain, there are 2 categories of awards:-
Category A - For groups where the project idea came from the young people of the
group, and where they are also responsible for running the project.
Category B - For groups where the project was developed by others (often adults)
but where the young people have a significant role in the management and
delivery of the project.
‘Emotions' was set up to work with 50 vulnerable young people between the ages
of 14 and 25 years. The project uses performance as a platform to engage and
inspire young people and improve their chances in life. Following an open day in
January 2014, 63 young people committed to the project. They worked with
volunteers from MD Productions to develop their own performance areas including
script writing, music, drama and dance. They delivered a number of performances
in the community which culminated in a show before a packed Liverpool Empire
theatre. The Emotions performance reflected real life situations that mattered
to the youngsters, focussing on change, inspiring hope, ambition and dreams.
During the programme the young people also accessed therapeutic support to
assist them with any personal issues they were facing. Speaking about the
win, creative director of MD Productions, Miguel Doforo, said:- "We were
overwhelmed at the High Sheriff Awards in Liverpool, so to then go on and win
the National Crimebeat award is such a boost for everyone involved in The
Emotions Project. We have proved to young people that hanging out on the
streets, petty crime and anti social behaviour won't help them in the long run,
instead giving them a creative outlet to express themselves and realise their
ambitions. The Emotions Project has created a really strong group of young
people who are dedicated, motivated and working hard to realise their dreams and
create better futures for themselves. They are inspirational and causing a
ripple effect of change in their own communities and circles of friends. I am so
pleased."
High Sheriff of Merseyside, Mrs Abila Pointing MBE DL stated:- "I am proud
that:- 'Emotions' have won the National Crimebeat
award for 2015. They are worthy winners and are typical of so many young people
contributing positively to their communities."
Inspector Colin Lewis, Merseyside Police, said:- "Every year we have a
strong field of nominations on Merseyside. This is reflective of the creativity,
commitment and compassion of our young people. Merseyside Police is always proud
to support them and it's quite right that they have been recognised nationally.
We are particularly grateful to the High Sheriff for all of her work finding and
recognising those hidden gems in the community who have such a positive effect
on neighbourhoods."
