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Lead by Amy Sample-Ward this session focuses on strategies and case studies for creating successful community-driven media, events and campaigns. Participants will learn about best practices and work in small groups to put learning into practice. This session will include a presentation, discussion and small group scenarios.

Amy says:
I am dedicated to supporting and educating organizations and changemakers in the use of evolving technologies that cultivate and engage communities. I am inspired by opportunities to catalyze community building and social action, online and offline, whether it’s through blogging, facilitating, training, or speaking. In 2009, I co-authored Social by Social, a handbook in using social technologies for social impact, and have had the great opportunity to contribute to additional publications about social media. I am the Global Community Development Manager for NetSquared, leading the strategy for our global Community both on and offline. I have worked in private philanthropy, advocacy nonprofit organizations, web design companies, and as a consultant.

See the Social by Social Website at: http://www.socialbysocial.com/

http://www.thebigsociety.net/

The team, known as Youth Justice Mentors, work with the Leicester City Youth Offending Service to help prevent youngsters involved in crime and anti-social behaviour from re-offending in future.

Their six-week training programme equips them to work on a one-to-one weekly basis mentoring young people and delivering an intervention plan linked to the young person’s offending behaviour.

All 34 volunteers will be rewarded for their work in a presentation celebration on Friday, June 25, at Leicester City Council’s offices in New Walk Centre. The event takes place at the A7 Training Room 1, from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, followed by a celebratory meal.

The Youth Justice Mentoring project began development in December 2009 and was officially launched in March 2010, and gives young people the opportunity to get mentoring support to help reduce their likelihood of re-offending and slipping deeper into the criminal justice system.

Since March, the project has worked with 42 young people who have been given support focusing on areas such as anger management, peer pressure and victim empathy. Leicester City Youth Offending Service is now planning to expand its pool of volunteers with a recruitment drive across the city throughout July and August.

The Youth Offending Service’s volunteer coordinator, Charlene Stapleton, said: “Youth crime needs to be tackled sooner rather than later and as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

“We are ensuring that those young people involved in anti-social and criminal behaviour are given the support to change now before their years of youthfulness are gone and they’re lost in a system that is very difficult to get out of.”

One of the Youth Justice Mentors, Jaspreet Maini, from Anstey Heights, added: “I set out to volunteer for two reasons; experience and to do something rewarding that would give back to the community.

“It has given me a boost in confidence dealing with young people and the problems they face. I feel I have a come a long way since the training, learning more about myself, the reasons for offending, and how early intervention can help to tackle those reasons.

“It is a challenging but very enjoyable role and definitely a worthwhile cause. I have developed a good rapport with my young person and have witnessed a big difference in her behaviour and attitude.”

Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for health and community safety, Councillor Wayne Naylor, said: “I am very pleased to support this scheme. The difference that these volunteers make to the lives of these young people can help change the whole direction of their lives, and can prevent them from sliding down a slippery slope towards further crime.

“I am very proud of the efforts the volunteers are making to put something back into the community and make a positive difference for the city.”

Karen Manville, interim head of service, added “The programme has been a great success so far and I am always amazed at the number of volunteers who dedicate time to working with the young people in Leicester.

“I started as a volunteer in youth justice and will continue to praise those who give up their spare time for our young people who need their support”.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a Youth Justice Mentor can contact the Youth Offending Service on 0116 299 5830 or drop in to the Leicester City Youth Offending Service, at 11, Friar Lane, Leicester.

The following are the councillors, the council wards they represent and their responsibilities:

Councillor Veejay Patel (Latimer) – Council Leader – Strategy, Finance, Communications and Property

Councillor Vi Dempster  (Beaumont Leys) - Deputy Leader – Children and Schools

Councillor Abdul Osman (Charnwood) - Regeneration and Transport

Councillor Wayne Naylor (Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields) – Health and Community Safety

Councillor Culdipp Singh Bhatti – Frontline Services and Neighbourhoods

Councillor Rory Palmer ( Eyres Monsell) – Adult Social Care

Councillor Paul Westley (Beaumont Leys) - Housing

Councillor Sarah Russell (Westcotes) - Environment and Sustainability

Councillor Mohammed Dawood (Spinney Hills) - Community Cohesion and Human Resources

Councillor Robert Wann (Fosse) - Culture and Leisure

At Leicester Crown Court yesterday, Jack Tysoe, 24, of Charnwood Drive in Leicester Forest East, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Charlotte Mae Walsh by dangerously driving his friend’s Renault Clio too fast and without insurance.

At the trial on April 30, Gary Short representing, said Tysoe “accepted he has destroyed Charlotte’s family and friends.”

Sentencing Tysoe, Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said: “I am quite sure you are genuinely sorry, but Charlotte was on the threshold of her life, and now there is nothing neither you nor I can do.

“I accept you have lead a completely blameless life and have wisely taken full responsibility – I give you credit for this, although you had little alternative.

“This sentence is not for a moment intended to put a value on her life.”

There was no evidence Tysoe was impaired at the point of collision despite admitting to drinking alcohol ten minutes prior to the incident.

Tysoe, who held a full driving licence, did not know he was uninsured to drive the car.

Mr Short said: “It was a genuine mistake rather than a flagant disregard – it was foolish.”

Tysoe was also banned from driving for five years, and will not get his licence back without extensive re testing.

As he was led to the cells Tysoe blew kisses to his family, and heard them say “I love you.”

Outside court, Miss Walsh’s mother Dawn said: “Justice can never be done, not for us as the family. It’s something that’s said a lot, but we’re the ones with the life sentence.”

The court had heard how on Sunday June 14 2009 Charlotte had been a passenger in her friend Rebecca Garrett’s Ford KA when the collision at a mini island on Station Road, Glenfield, killed her instantly.

Tysoe had been driving uphill into a blind spot more than 50 miles per hour in a 30 zone, when he failed to break and crashed into Miss Garrett’s car.

Expert opinion ruled that had Tysoe’s speed been 30, the collision would not have taken place, and Charlotte would have lived.

An eye witness said he had heard the sound of a car in low gear being highly revved and young males shouting ‘whoopee’. He described the vehicle that passed him as ‘a blur’ and Tysoe’s driving as ‘insane.’ He said: “There was a loud bang that sounded like an explosion.”

Tracy Wright, who was driving behind Rebecca’s car, described Tysoe’s speed as ‘like lightning’ and passenger Steven Potter said the KA left the ground by three feet at impact, before slamming into a lamppost.

Video evidence of the collision was too graphic to be shown in court.

Charlotte, who was working as a trainee child psychologist at Turning Point, had passed her own driving test only four days before the incident.

In the statement her mother, Mrs Walsh, said: “Charlotte wasn’t only my daughter but my best friend.

“Lottie was known for being beautiful both on the outside and on the inside.”

In a statement read to the court, Charlotte’s grandparents said: “Life has been almost unbearable – she was our only granddaughter and she meant the world to us.”

The court heard how Charlotte had been a strong influence on her brothers Danny and Sam.  Prosecutor James Hett said: “She was a good listener, a shoulder to cry on – an old head on young shoulders.”

Deborah Wittington, who was Charlotte’s personal tutor at Stevenson College for two years, said: “Now many children will not have the good fortune to be helped by her.

“Who knows what she would have been.”

Court Reporting by Hollie Thorman (DMU)

The inquest at Leicester Town Hall revealed that after years of drug abuse 21-year-old Shane Brewer died at Leicester Prison, on Welford Road, on December 5 2008.

The inquest heard that bullying and spells of imprisonment at Glen Parva Young Offenders Institute contributed to the heroin addict’s loss of will to live.

The night before he was arrested Shane told his father Michael he would die at Welford Road.

Mr Brewer said: “It was set in his mind he would die in prison – when they came to tell me he was dead, I already knew.”

The inquest heard how Shane, who was remanded in custody awaiting reports on probation for shoplifting, had a history of attempted suicides by overdose and had previously attempted to strangle himself with a jumper.

Shane frequently stole to feed his £60 a day heroin habit, and had hidden the true extent of his drug addiction from his family.

Mr Brewer claimed Shane had handed himself in to police to try and get help while in prison. He told the jury his son had “only wanted love.”

Shane’s mother, Fiona Black, of Brookside, Hinckley, said: “I was aware of him smoking cannabis since he was 18, but didn’t know he was injecting until his sister told me after he died.

“He hated the drugs lifestyle, he wanted to get job and settle down.”

Mrs Black last saw her son in Hinckley town centre three weeks before he died. She said: “He didn’t seem depressed, but he would hide it from me. He used to say it isn’t as bad as you think it is mum.”

A post mortem revealed traces of the anti depressants in Shane’s blood and evidence suggested he had self harmed the day before his death.

Pathologist Guy Rutty, who oversaw the post mortem on December 8, said:  “Old and recent needle marks were found to both forearms, and horizontal cuts of at least 10cms were found on his left wrist.”

The court heard how under the influence of drugs Shane was quiet, sombre, and disgusted with himself and he took more drugs to block this out.

Prisoner Custody Officer Thomas Duffy was responsible for transporting Shane from Magistrates Court to prison. He described Shane as “a bag of bones and very smelly.”

He said: “He seemed to be a small person who had his head to the floor, and was dragging his feet without his shoes tied.”

PCO Duffy opened a suicide and self harm report immediately after Shane said he shouldn’t be there – Mr Duffy said: “He meant alive.”

Shane was placed under constant watch from 10.45am until he was handed to the prison service at 2.05pm.

Mr Duffy, who did not believe Shane was suffering ‘cold turkey’ as a result of withdrawal from drugs, added: “I was convinced he would commit suicide if left on his own,”

The inquest heard how Shane had a troubled past, he had taken his parents’ separation in 2001 very badly, and went to live with his father along with his sister Kylie, 22, and brother Brandon, 13.

Cathy Smewing, resettlement worker at the counselling service Next Generation, helped Shane at times when he was homeless.

She said: “He told me each time he was homeless it was because of his behaviour at home, he refused to go into a hostel and slept in doorways because he didn’t want to leave his sister and mum in Hinckley.

“He told me he hated doing drugs and hurting his parents, he hated his life and his childhood, and he couldn’t get his head around a lot of things, including his relationship with his Dad.”

Ms Smewing added: “He desperately wanted to change his life. He was offered lots of help but he didn’t have the mechanism to break the cycle.”

The inquest to determine the circumstances of Shane’s death is expected to continue for several days.

By Hollie Thorman

Operation Staysafe is being run by the police and Safer Leicester Partnership, and involves working with the organisers of events attended by young people in order to help any who appear vulnerable to putting themselves in danger through drink or anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this week, officers worked with the organisers of an under-18s disco for 600 people at Liquid nightclub in Church Gate. Three young people were taken to safety at the Salvation Army centre in nearby Kildare Street, where officers contact their families or carers and arranged for them to be taken home.

They included a 15-year-old boy who had been drinking alcohol, and two boys aged 10 and 14 involved in anti-social behaviour in the city centre. In each case other relevant support agencies were also informed to provide follow-up help if needed.

In addition to the police and Safer Leicester Partnership, the city council’s youth offending service, challenge and support unit and duty and assessment services, along with the Salvation Army.

The scheme is part of the city’s Youth Crime Action Plan, which is being delivered by the Safer Leicester Partnership and funded by the Government’s Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for health and community safety, Councillor Wayne Naylor, said: “While it is clear that the vast majority of young people who go to these events are able to enjoy themselves safely and responsibly, there are some who might find themselves in vulnerable situations due to drinking alcohol before going to an event, or getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

“Operation Staysafe works with the organisers of events for young people so that in cases where people are vulnerable, we can step in to help ensure they get help and can be taken home safely.”

Inspector Bill Knopp, of Leicestershire Constabulary, added: “Operation Staysafe demonstrates the commitment of the Safer Leicester Partnership to tackle youth crime and to support vulnerable young people and their families.

“It is pleasing that most of the young people attending this event had a trouble-free and enjoyable night.

“However, I would encourage parents to make sure they know where their children are at all times, including how they are getting to and from their destination.”

For press enquiries only contact Christian Dezelu in the Press Office on 0116 252 6081, or email christian.dezelu@leicester.gov.uk

For further information please contact the Press Office at pressdesk@leicester.gov.uk .

Starting this month the Real Voices Consultancy launches. It’s an organisation run by an ex-offender for ex-offenders.

They campaign on behalf of offenders and ex-offenders on welfare, employment and training rights. They support both prisoners and their families throughout their sentence, particularly upon the offenders release when the re-adjustment to life outside is the most vulnerable time for re-offending.

The consultancy will provide workshops on positive self-esteem, what to expect on release and interpersonal skills needed when seeking employment and adjustment back into society.

By working closely with the news agency INO Mag (Inside ‘n’ Out) it aims to inform relevant parties and community groups of the positive issues and successes within the Criminal Justice System especially the benefits of volunteering to aid re-integration of the recently released.

If you want to know more you can contact Mark Clark at the INO Mag news agency (part of the Community Media Hub) in the Learning & Information Library, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA or on telephone: 0116 299 5413 / 07762 695983

Read – INO Mag Newsletter Issue 3

It is available for you to read online by clicking below:

http://issuu.com/communitymediahub/docs/ino_mag3

The website will be updated over the coming weeks to reflect current trends and Mark is expanding his consultancy ‘Real Voices’.

Ino Mag website

Wednesday 2nd December, 11.00am – 1.00pm
&
Thursday 3rd December, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
at
The Business Box, 3 Oswin Road, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1HR

Since the launch of the Business Den in July, the programme has been providing a new, unique and much needed service to a number of clients.
The Business Den is an innovative project working with ex-offenders to help them set up in business. The programme will primarily focus on social enterprises; it is designed to provide a ‘second chance’ to Apex clients, who will need to have a viable business idea along with the passion and desire to develop sustainable businesses, therefore securing employment for themselves and others.
These networking events enable the clients to develop their support network with specifically targeted attendees. They also give the opportunity for clients to hear from experienced speakers on a variety of business matters, gearing them for the world of business.
A Recognition of Achievement award will be presented to each client to highlight their progress and success in the programme so far.

Apex’s mission is:
To inspire people to realise their potential in learning, work and life. Apex provides information, advice, guidance, training and appropriate support to enable its’ users to progress towards suitable education, training and employment goals. It does so in an environment in which staff, users, volunteers and visitors alike are equally welcomed, valued, supported and respected.
It is our aim not only to provide services primarily related to the provision of education, training and employment but also to provide other secondary services necessary to motivate, engage, support and sustain our clients within the primary services.

About Gold Events Management:
Gold Events Management is a social enterprise, a not for profit organisation that offers a wide range of Event Co-ordination, Marketing and Training.  Working in all sectors; specialising in community and regeneration.
Gold Event Management will be supporting Apex and its clients on the Business Den project.

For further media information, please contact:
Tracy Renshaw
Gold Events Management Limited
T: 0783 490 8576
tracy@gold-events.co.uk