Youth Participation Worker Jamie Rosser tells a typical story of how arts activities really engage with young people on the streets.
"Sue is a girl who likes a drink... going to disused houses... drinking with mates...
One Friday night we were letting young people know about the five outcomes identified as most important to children and young people highlighted in the 'Every Child Matters' green paper – but with a visual arts twist...
We depicted the outcomes using graffiti art to decorate a large container used for storing materials and equipment used by a local youth club."
The five outcomes are:
• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic wellbeing
"Sue's mum had bought her a bottle of vodka that night. Sue was hanging around... watching on her own – drinking. She kept her distance while others got involved in the graffiti art.
The next week, a visiting Better Deal worker came to see the work and to meet with young people. He was shown the graffiti art done the week before.
"As I began to explain the work, suddenly, from a dark corner I heard a voice which named the five outcomes for the visitor. It was Sue. She went on to fully explain each point. To be honest I was amazed.
"She came along to all the following sessions in her area and took part in the activities and issue based conversations.
"The Alliance visited her neighbourhood again recently – but haven't met with Sue since. She wasn’t in her old haunts... drinking... drinking with her mates. In fact a lot of things seemed different when we went back.
"A Police Community Support Officer in the area commented that the attitude of young people towards them has changed since our last visit. No longer negative and insulting, they are now seen as people who can help, and attitudes are much more positive."
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Neighbourhood Alliance project sees arts activities impact positively on anti-social behaviour