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Taking The Drama Out Of Anti Social Behaviour
TAKING THE DRAMA OUT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
26th February 2008
A drama production entitled ‘BURN’ took centre stage in Strabane’s Alley Theatre on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th February 2008.
Strabane Community Safety Partnership commissioned the drama department of North West Regional College to produce a play looking at Alcohol and its effect on anti-social behaviour and the consequences of such behaviour.
The main aim of the event is to reinforce to the pupils that acts of anti-social behaviour can affect the quality off life not only for themselves but for their families as well. Prior to commencing the project, the scriptwriter Anne McMaster-Walsh spent time talking to young people to understand the situations teenagers find themselves in. The production has brought together an exciting and thought provoking show which deals head on with issues such as the dangers and consequences of anti-social behaviour, peer pressure, youth crime and how individual’s actions impact on themselves, their family and their community.
Speaking at the event Councillor Ivan Barr, Chair of Strabane Community Safety Partnership said “The vast majority of young people in Strabane District are a credit to their parents, but sometimes what they consider to be innocent behaviour such as hanging around in groups or setting off fireworks in the streets can cause fear among older people. Strabane Community Safety Partnership would like the youth to know that by respecting themselves and others and not getting involved in anti-social behaviour that this will have a positive effect on themselves and their community”.
The two day event was aimed at 14-18 year olds with over 480 youths in attendance from Holy Cross College, Strabane High School, Castlederg High School, St Eugene’s High School, Strabane Training Services and Craft Recruitment.
Strabane Community Safety Partnership is working closely with a range of agencies to effectively reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime and after the drama the students had an opportunity to visit a ‘one-stop-shop’ were a variety of statutory and voluntary agencies were present to offer a range of advice on personal safety, health issues, careers, drugs and alcohol, counselling services as well as information on youth diversionary activities such as drama, sport and personal development programmes.
This problem doesn’t only exist in Strabane District, but throughout Society today, regardless of location. Strabane Community Safety Partnership hope to work with the youth to devise a strategy that will ultimately reduce and prevent nuisance behaviour by implementing various programmes and initiatives over the coming years.
