Teens get top tips on cards

A Wigan gang is helping young people across the borough stay safe.

The Gayton Gang from Winstanley have created a fold out leaflet called “Teen Tips for Staying Safe”.

The colourful guide provides young people with all sorts of useful information, advice and guidance on issues like using mobile phones and the Internet, safe sex and the dangers of illegal drugs.

Charlotte Molyneux, Danielle Turner, Jade Burton, Tom Conchie, Abbey Graham, Hannah Birchall, Zoe Aspey, Alice Duffy, Amy Williams, Dayle Fairclough and their youth workers have handed out the pocket sized cards to over 1000 local young people.

And Wigan Council’s Community Safety team and Wigan Police were so impressed with the fold out leaflets that they have recently paid to have 1000 more produced for Police Community Safety Officers to hand out to young people.

The Gayton Gang produced the guide after taking part in several workshops that encouraged them to think about their own safety and that of local residents with Wigan Council Children & Young People’s Service’s youth workers. The young people successfully achieved an Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) accreditation for their work on the project.

The Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Youth Information Team supported the young people in editing, designing and printing the leaflet, and met the costs of the initial 1000 copies.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Youth Information Manager Andrea Smith said:

“Staying safe is consistently a top concern for young people and this guide has been really well received by local teenagers. By doing something creative about their safety concerns, The Gayton Gang have done something of great benefit to other people their age. The young people have put a lot into making the leaflet a reality and they should be very proud of their efforts.”

The Gayton Gang were brought together and supported by Children & Young People’s Services (CYPS) youth workers, while the Orrell, Billinge and Winstanley Township Community Safety Group paid the cost of hiring a room for the group to meet in during the planning stage of the project.

CYPS Youth Worker Vicky Perry said:

“This project is an excellent example of how young people can benefit from young people, services and communities working together.”

To request a copy of “Teen Tips for Staying Safe” contact Vicky Perry on (01942) 768055