Brooke Kinsella Backs Six Steps To Safer Britain Scheme Aimed At Keeping Teens Away From Crime And Drugs

Brooke Kinsella Backing Scheme To Help Teens

A new scheme aimed at steering teenagers away from crime, drugs and alcohol is being launched on Thursday.

The scheme, promoted by former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, whose brother Ben was knifed to death in London in 2008, is called the Six Steps to Safer Britain.

It was devised by the Catch22 Positive Futures Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a body which aims to change negative perceptions about young people.

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Brooke Kinsella is promoting a scheme called the Six Steps to Safer Britain

The plan is part of the Make a Noise Week, which is a celebration to commend eleven years of Positive Futures - Britain's largest youth crime prevention programme that works with 57,000 10 to 19-year-olds annually.

Positive Futures projects use sport, physical activities, arts and education to engage young people.

Chris Wright, chief executive of Catch22, said: "Positive Futures has an incredible track record of helping tens of thousands of young people and ensures young people have a voice about future policy and services.

"At Catch22 we recognise young people's potential as thought leaders for social change.

"During Make a Noise week we will see young people in control of their lives, demonstrating this potential and taking action to build a brighter future for Britain."

The Six Steps plan has been devised in consultation with thousands of young people.

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Ben Kinsella who was knifed to death in London in 2008

According to YAB, what young people want is: (the help they get to) start at six years old; help them build better relationships with the police; tackle gang culture and postcode rivalry; give them activities at times when they need them most; improve access to employment; combat negative perceptions by listening to what they have to say.

The programme will be launched in the Battersea Arts Centre at 4.15pm as part of a day of events.

Government knife crime adviser Ms Kinsella, singer Will Young and footballer Anton Ferdinand will present awards to individuals who have shown particular dedication to the scheme.

There will also be a performance from the Shakespeare Hip-Hop Company and Faithless front man Maxi Jazz.

The event will follow a week of celebrations from all 91 Positive Futures projects in deprived communities up and down the country.

Projects will be celebrating their achievements in their local area by organising dance performances, Olympic-themed art and sporting activities, Jubilee celebrations and community action.