Norwich Christian charity fills generation gap
 A Christian charity in Norwich is working with local agencies to promote better integration between old and young people. The purpose is to challenge the negative perceptions of young people whilst encouraging positive action in the community.
East Norwich Youth Project (ENYP) is involved with two local Safer Neighbourhood Action Panels (SNAP) across Norwich. These panels, along with agencies such as the Police and Council, meet local neighbourhood priorities and bring positive change to communities.
Olly Turner, a Community Support Mentor for ENYP reported to the panel that something needed to be done to engage with young people, as much of their anti-social and criminal behaviour is caused by a lack of direction, boredom, low self-esteem or poor role models. The suggestion to engage with young people and encourage them to make positive contributions to their communities was adopted as a SNAP priority.
Danny Doran-Smith, Senior Worker of ENYP, said “The police were very keen to partner with us in responding to this priority, as were two local schools and a pupil referral unit.”
 One of the major concerns expressed by the panel was anti-social behaviour, both generally and specifically related to young people. To challenge negative perceptions of young people and promote greater integration between them and adults, a simple but direct questionnaire was put together to help get a better understanding of each generation’s concerns. Both young people and adults have been approached to gather their understanding on issues within their local community and across the generations.
Danny Doran-Smith continues “After the information is gathered a DVD will be prepared to communicate the opinions expressed. This will be shared on a local level to generate improved understanding and integration between young people and others within the neighbourhood.”
An exciting project that has already come out of this priority is that young people from a local primary school have decided to give up their lunch time to serve food to the elderly at a local luncheon club (pictured above). With great enthusiasm they serve, talk and listen to each other - sharing thoughts, concerns and stories from their own generational perspective.
A local Age Concern group have also agreed to engage in the project with reminiscence work being developed over the next few months.
For more information regarding the work of the Safer Neighbourhood Action Panels please visit www.safernorfolk.co.uk
ENYP through its work with the Police and the Community Support Mentor
role have been doing some intergenerational work within the local
community. | 