Riots Communities and Victims Panel calls out to young people

The independent panel set up in August to look into the causes and impact of the summer riots is calling for more young people to contribute to its study. Chair of the Riots Communities and Victims Panel, Darra Singh has been leading on meetings around the country and plans to report in early 2012. But the panel wants to hear from more young people and has put out calls for people to respond on Twitter and at public meetings. Darra Singh told Children and Young People Now that young people say they are "tired of being blamed for the damage caused by the riots". He says that the Panel knows that most young people were not involved and wants young people to submit their thoughts, individually or in groups, to be included in a report to the Prime Minister.

Singh added: "I would urge youth workers and people working in children’s services to spread the word and let young people know this is their chance to be heard. Anyone can email, tweet or write to us."

Young people can submit their views by email on riotspanel@communities.gsi.gov.uk or write to Riots Panel, Eland House, Bressenden Place, SW1E 5DU. The panel can be followed on Twitter.

Young people interested in responding might also want to look at the Home Office analysis of the arrests relating to the riots. The Home Office report looks at the types of crimes recorded and the characteristics of adults and young people arrested, including gang membership.

The report, An Overview of Recorded Crimes and Arrests Resulting from Disorder Events in August 2011 can be found on the Home Office website.

A further report on the riots has been produced by the Department for Education. This paper looks at youth enterprise – both in terms of engaging more young people in the subject, and further empowering those who are already making great strides (often with little outside help) in developing and building their own businesses.

One of the most positive things about enterprise as a topic is that it cuts across all educational boundaries so anyone can take part; irrespective of their academic background, physical needs or other societal issues. How that work, and enthusiasm, is then taken forward to the benefit of our young people, their families, and communities, is a key concern for those working in the area, and comments on this would be welcomed.

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 13:03