Knife crime.  Gang culture.  Hoodies.  All of these phrases have become synonymous with the public’s perception of young people today.  This is not without reason of course, as youth-related crime has received considerable media coverage over recent years.  However, continued reports on such incidents has created a stereotype that is spreading not only intergenerational mistrust within the community, but also peer fear. 

On Saturday 6^th December, 'Agents4Change' in Berkshire joined the national ‘Don’t Write Us Off’ campaign to illustrate that the majority of young people are contributing as much to the community as a select few are taking from it.  The aim was to spark dialogues with the public to gather popular opinion about what should be done to give young people the best start in life.  This was just a starting point however, and volunteers became engaged in a diverse range of conversations over the course of the day.  The public were then invited to record their views on an 'Agents4Change' canvas erected in Merchants Place, Reading. 

With an age range of ten years old to eighty, the public’s responses were varied to say the least.  One elderly ex-policeman expressed frustration that young people were given so many opportunities but squander them in favour of computer games and drinking, and that it was ultimately ‘down to the individual’.  A mother of three hoped that parenting skills could be taught to young people, while a young resident from nearby Twyford argued there should be more ‘cheap commercial places like Shakeaway [a local milkshake bar]’ where young people can socialise.

The creation of social venues and events dominated the feedback volunteers received. Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, chatted with volunteers and expressed a desire to see ‘warm, dry places for young people to meet friends’.  Other ideas ranged from ambitious ‘indoor ice rinks’ to more tangible goals of ‘club nights for under eighteen year olds’.  

The day successfully drew attention to the positive work being carried out by young people who volunteer.  With support exhibited from the Deputy Mayor of Reading and Rob Wilson MP, the feedback volunteers received will be used to tackle the issues specifically relevant to the Berkshire area.  Public opinion cannot be changed over night, but by demonstrating young peoples’ positive intentions through work around the community, their actions can speak louder than any newsprint.