Arts development manager Bob Adam’s desk is overflowing with awards for the innovative work he leads on as part of Doncaster’s Neighbourhood Alliance.
The Neighbourhood Alliance is a multi-agency project involving the Police, Fire Services, DMBC, Doncaster NHS, St Leger Homes, voluntary sector organisations and many more agencies. The Alliance visits different areas in Doncaster and aims to tackle any issues concerning local residents.
darts’ role is to engage with young people in the neighbourhood to talk about issues like drinking, substance misuse and respectful relationships and then use the arts as a tool to explore them. We also try to refer young people to other agencies which can help them with any issues they are facing.
In the last two years, the Alliance, has visited 15 areas in Doncaster. Taking time out from writing yet another acceptance speech, Bob explains why the Alliance is so successful.
“The first element which counts towards the success of the Alliance is that we seek out young people on a Friday night in their own communities… We are on their turf doing something like circus skills or spray painting boards with street art… “Wot you doing mate?” we intrigue them – they come over – take a look… get talking... get involved.
“We talk to them about issues that are 100% relevant to their lives in a non-judgemental way. An artist is not a teacher or parent. Artists can give young people another perspective on life, be an alternative role model or just be someone to chat along with while both are busy making or recording or painting…
“We also help to break down barriers between young people and the police. By getting local PCSOs to juggle or pull caporeria moves on the back of a riot van, young people can see that they are not always the enemy but approachable and can help them out. We change opinions and perceptions that may have been entrenched for many years.
“Other members of the community will see the artwork that the young people have produced and come and talk to them about it. This creates pride in the community – pride by the young person whose work is being admired. This may be the first time an older member of the community has ever spoken to “one of the lads that hangs around outside the park”. They find common ground. Barriers come crashing down.
“It’s not all just anecdotal stuff either…. For example the fire service reported recently that anti-social behavior fire incidents dropped from 20 to zero in a three week period in one area where the project was active.”
