Young people from the Gloucester City Homes’ (GCH) “Junior Wardens Scheme” have produced a short film showing how their work benefits communities and builds respect, both for their neighbourhood and themselves.
They are hoping to encourage young people in other areas to form such schemes. The video shows how their scheme benefits local communities and the fun and empowerment the children get from being involved.
There are presently two such schemes, the “Cool Kidz Crew” in Matson and the “Streetsteppers” in White City. Working with GCH and their partners, including PCSOs and other community groups, they have vastly improved the general condition of their respective areas. Those involved in the Junior Wardens scheme have shown great pride in their community and real drive to improve where they live.
They are rewarded for their positive attitude and work by various activities, one such activity was a visit to Police HQ in Waterwells where they were invited to give a presentation. This was where the idea of the video was born. Assistant Chief Constable Ivor Twydell was so impressed that he funded a promotional video to promote their work.
Gloucester City Homes Resident Involvement Officer Terry Elcock approached a local amateur film club, which agreed to get involved with the project and help create a low cost DVD. The video was produced out in community, backed up with classroom sessions. The sound track was produced at the studios of Gloucester’s Community Radio Broadcaster GFM 96.6. This was a fantastic experience for the WhiteCity “Streetsteppers” and they are planning to return to the studio to join the crew of The Young People’s Community Link Show as guests in their show.
(This will be broadcast on Thursday 10 March at 6-00pm – repeated Friday at 11-00am)
Gloucester City Homes set up the Junior Warden Scheme in late 2009. Now in its second year, the scheme has just been shortlisted in the Best Practice in Youth Involvement category of the Tenant Participation Advisory Services Connecting People Awards 2011. There have been noticeable benefits in areas where the scheme runs. Issues identified by the Junior Wardens are taken seriously, this is followed through by action and the young people get the feedback of seeing positive change in their neighbourhood. Although part of the work involves being pro-active in increasing people’s responsibility to each other and tackling antisocial behaviour this is not all they do: e.g. in one case funding was obtained to provide facilities and improve the environment for everyone’s benefit in a public park.
To be a junior warden you have to be between 7 and 12 years old, although they will consider younger children if accompanied by a parent or guardian. When you are thirteen years old you will be able to come a Junior Warden Leader. You will get full support including the following:- Training and support to do your duties in things like fly tipping, brain storming, anti-social behaviour, learning with the Police and Fire Service.
Equipment Pack with torch, clipboard, pen and notebook, equipment bag, gloves, high visibility jacket.
Your own logo and card.
Fully supported trained adult supervision.
There is also a ‘fun activity’ for you four times a year – whatever you want – like a pizza party.
To find out more go to the junior warden’s page on GCH website or contact GCH on 0800 408 2000
http://www.gloscityhomes.co.uk/Tenants/GetInvolved/JuniorWardens.aspx
you can also download their leaflet here (PDF Reader needed) JuniorWardensinformationbooklet
Having a fantastic time at GFM 96.6 (from GCH website)
