Riverside - Youngsters helped to make the right choices

As part of its bid to tackle anti social behaviour in its neighbourhoods, social landlord Riverside pledged £500 towards funding an event to encourage youngsters to make the right choices.

Rap workshops, web detectives and drama performances were just some of the activities staged to help children from Netherley, Belle Vale and Lee Valley gain an understanding of the consequences of anti-social behaviour at the Your Choice conference in Speke.

The event took place at Parklands City Learning Centre thanks to funding from Childwall EMB, which manages Riverside’s properties in the area, Liverpool City Council, Citysafe* and Merseytravel. Around 130 children aged 10-11 learned more about the emergency services and took part in drama workshops to provoke discussion about victims, responsibility and change.

Lorraine Campbell, tenancy management officer said:
“We are keen to support Your Choice as part of our commitment to reducing anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods. If children are aware of the consequences of their actions they may think twice about misbehaving.”

Activities at the event, which was organised by Merseyside Police and Liverpool Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, included an interactive Millionaire Game with questions based on problem areas such as the dangers of playing on railway lines. Hip-hop artists turned their usual ‘gangsta’ image around, with an up-beat introduction to the day to motivate and inspire children about the importance of the choices they make.