Bradford Council’s Youth Service is working with partner organisations to deter young people from anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Organisations including voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Police, Safer Schools Officers, Youth Justice Service, Care and Care Leavers Services and the District Youth Services in the Children and Families Trust, are taking a three-pronged approach of disruption, diversion and education.
In the weeks before Bonfire Night work is done with young people in youth clubs, schools, faith settings and through one to one targeted work to educate young people on the dangers of fireworks and the consequences of dangerous behaviours around fireworks and bonfires.
This includes ‘consequence cards’ issued to young people to remind them about the dangers of fireworks and potential consequences. The cards starkly spell out the possible consequences, including getting arrested, getting charged, having a criminal record which could reduce job prospects and life-changing injuries.
Youth organisations also find ways to divert young people into different activities either at youth centres, places of worship or through officers working with young people they find on the streets or in local parks.
Cllr Kamran Hussain, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “Fireworks can be really dangerous, and the overall aim of this work is to educate, guide and support young people, as well as keeping them safe. We hope that we can help them understand that there is nothing to be gained but a lot to be lost through mindless and dangerous behaviour.”
Council and partner organisations in each of the District’s five constituency areas will put together a co-ordinated plan which fits the services and organisations within that particular area. They will have regular meetings with community groups and leaders to share concerns and plan responses.
