Community Life

Sergeant Richard Curran spoke to BBC London about the ideals governing the YOU (Youth Organisations – Uniform) programme, to answer recent press comment and criticism about the project he initiated. 

YOU started in Croydon and is being seen as one option to get young people off the streets and focused onto something positive.

The initiative is supported by the Mayor, Prince Charles and many in the Government.  It began two years ago in South Norwood and since then, over 2,000 youngsters in the borough have taken part in one of the schemes.

The scheme, which is the brainchild of Sgt Curran, encourages young people from as young as 5-years-old to become involved in one of a number of uniformed organisations. 

Scouts - Library picture

Its partners are the Air Training Corps, Army Cadet Force, Boys Brigade, Girl Guides, The Scout Association, Sea Cadet Corps, St John Ambulance, Volunteer Police Cadets, The Prince’s Trust and the Metropolitan Police Service.

“The scheme is aspirational", says Sgt Curran. "It’s still in its infancy.  There is a great deal of interest in it as a way of finding a long-term solution to the problems these kids have and a tool to help them change their attitude but, precisely how it will work is still being worked on.”  He also described the claims about YOU in the press as 'absurd'.

http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/3717482.Teens_to_pick_criminal_record_or_the_scouts/

Since the project has been operational, Sgt Curran says he has already seen children at risk of becoming criminals go through these organisations and turn their lives around.

The initiative will get its official launch in the Whitgift Centre on 11 October.

Have you or someone you know taken part in this initiative? How has it helped you? Was it a soft option?  Were you told it would stop you getting a criminal record?  Email evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk