A group of young people who had been taking part in antisocial or criminal behaviour are set to learn about the consequences of their actions as part of an innovative programme.

Up to eight teenagers from Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor, aged between 13 and 16 years-old, have been referred onto the Challenge and Change course, which will be held in May.

The two- day course, organised and run by the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership* aims to reduce antisocial behaviour and ultimately prevent it by educating people about the consequences their behaviour has on the wider community.

People may be referred onto the course through the courts, police, schools, youth organisations, statutory agencies or as part of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract. Completed and signed referrals can be submitted all year round, with three courses running per academic year. A referral is not an automatic acceptance onto the course.

Cllr John Kennett, Chair of the Safer North Hampshire Partnership, said: “This innovative programme will provide young people who have been taking part in either antisocial behaviour or crime, with a valuable insight into what will happen if they continue this behaviour. The course will explore the impact of antisocial behaviour on the wider community and how it affects victims. It also shows how it can affect perpetrators from arrest to  custody, the journey through the court system and life as a prisoner at HMP Coldingley. Depending on the offence young people may be barred, for the rest of their lives, from visiting some countries.The course concludes with the positive changes the young people can make.
“They will spend time with the police, at the magistrates’ court, and at HMP Coldingley talking to current prisoners.
“We hope participating in this course will help these young people turn their life around and choose a better path for their future.”

On successful completion of the course, individuals will have an understanding of antisocial behaviour and the consequences it has on themselves and the wider community. They should be able to make better choices and have a greater knowledge of people and organisations that can support them if they are struggling with their behaviour or actions.

There may be other programmes or organisations involved who will carry on supporting them through supervision or acceptable behaviour contracts.