IMPROVING relationships between young people and adults in authority is the focus of a new DVD created by Cheshire UK Youth Parliament (UKYP).
Supported by Cheshire County Council and Cheshire Police, the short film entitled Stop and Search aims to challenge negative perceptions of young people and illustrate how they would like to be treated.
A message on the DVD casing reads: “You shouldn’t be surprised by young people, after all, you were one too – and just like you, we’ve got our ambitions, pride, things we like to do.
“So before you stop and search us, stop and search your own experience, your own perceptions – and give us a chance, yeah?”.
Members of UKYP joined representatives from the county council and police at the DVD launch event, which featured a performance from Missin Beats, a band from Little Sutton who provided the backing music for the DVD.
The county council’s director of children’s services Joan Feenan said: “I was very impressed with the maturity of the piece.
“Young people approached the subject in an engaging and thoughtful way and the DVD certainly made an impact. It is recommended viewing for all those working with or aspiring to work with young people.”
Chief Superintendent John Armstrong of Cheshire Police said: “The DVD is an excellent example of young people and police officers working together to better understand the realities and perceptions of young people in today's society.
“Cheshire Police have been very pleased to be associated with this work and I hope this will lead to similar projects in the future.”
The DVD is funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund.
