7/11/07 - Young Offenders make Poppies

      

Young offenders make poppies for Remembrance Day

Young offenders in Swindon have been helping the nation prepare for Remembrance Sunday by making poppies sold in commemoration of those who died in conflict.

The Youth Offending Team, based in Stratton, brings offenders and trained volunteers together every week to help young people face up to the impact of their behaviour on the local community. Making poppies has been part of this process and helps them learn about the significance and meaning of poppies and Remembrance Day.

Kevin Leaning, Head of the Youth Offending Team, which is currently ranked fifth out of 156 YOTs in England and Wales, said, “Many of Swindon’s young people have little or no idea of the significance of Remembrance Sunday, or know that poppies are sold to raise funds for ex-servicemen killed or injured in conflict around the world.

“By making the poppies under the trained supervision of members of the local community, we are able to engage young offenders in discussion, which in turn opens up issues about their own lives and pressures.

“It is clear to us that making poppies is an effective way of helping young offenders to raise awareness of the consequences of their criminal behaviour."

“The general idea of doing something like this also helps reinforce opportunities for young people to make a positive contribution, one of the ideas behind the Government’s Every Child Matters agenda.”

The young offenders have been making the poppies since January this year. All completed poppies are handed over to the British Legion for sale to the public.

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