Antisocial behaviour is low level persistent crime that very often has a long term cumulative effect on individuals and the wider community.
It is usually associated with young people out on the streets with little else to do to fill their time.
There are two approaches to dealing with antisocial behaviour.
RESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW
Firstly, the formal enforcement of the law and development of policing strategies. This in a way is demonstration of community failure and really a last resort. Community Integration Group works with the local police and other agencies in tackling the issue of antisocial behaviour at a street level. However, Community Integration Group feels very strongly that a longer term solution is a more sustainable outcome. Therefore Community Integration Group puts a good deal of effort into the second approach to tackling antisocial behaviour.
ACTION IN THE COMMUNITY
The second approach is for the community to come together to address the underlying problem of young people on the streets and to develop alternatives to tackle issues at a street level. Not having anything to do is often quoted as the young person’s reason for taking part in antisocial behaviour. Being disaffected, socially isolated and disengaged plays a major part in antisocial behaviour appearing on the streets. Dealing with this issue is the long term sustainable solution.
Community Integration Group is a key organisation in developing the community response to antisocial behaviour.
We work with young people to provide alternatives to being on the streets and have a system of advisors and mentors that can provide one-to-one support to young people.
The programme seeks out those with the potential to engage in antisocial behaviour and begins to offer positive alternatives to being on the streets. Informal youth activities leading to support into education and employment is a path encouraged by Community Integration Group.
The wider cultural work of Community Integration Group and the issues of social cohesion are also developed as young people are shown their own cultural identity and where that fits within the wider community.
Each young person will be guided by Community Integration Group towards youth activities, training, formal education, employment support and community participation.
We are actively working to:
- Provide young people with an alternative to being on the streets.
- Provide guidance to young people through a network of community mentors.
- Support young people with social issues, especially language.
- Provide signposting to other services and opportunities with partner organisation.
- Deliver a programme of educational and vocational training to young people. Training courses include First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health Care, IT and Security Guard Training (SIA).
- Offer a programme of sport and other outdoor activities.
- Stage youth groups and events.