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Home Page > Customer area > Harvest News > Harvest Housing Group Big Debate - Youth on Trial?

Harvest Housing Group held their annual ‘Big Debate’ on Friday 18 November and welcomed a panel of experts to consider the topic, ‘Youth on Trial?’ and explore if young people get a fair deal, not just from government but by how they are perceived by society.

Leading the panel was Paul O’Ginsky, Government Advisor on the National Citizens Service. Paul was joined on the panel by Twilight Bey, Youth Engagement Manager for Pathways 2 Progress; Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council; Lorraine Butcher, Director of Children’s Services at Cheshire East Council; Chief Executive of Harvest Housing Group and the Institute of Directors (IoD) Lancashire Director of the Year, Ian Perry and Faiza Chaudary, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services. The debate was hosted by award winning journalist and broadcaster, John Stapleton.

In his keynote address Paul O’Ginsky commented on the timely nature of the topic, and put in a plea on behalf of the youth – not guilty!

The debate was opened by a thought provoking performance by Fear Drama Group, run by Partington Housing Association (PHA), a member of Harvest Housing Group. The short production entitled ‘Youth on Trial’ showed the group challenge the perception that young people are lazy and don’t want to do anything positive with their lives, and touched on some of the obstacles they face trying to get into work or education.

A clear message to come out of the debate following this performance was the image of young people, and the perception versus the reality. All panel members agreed that the negative perception of ‘youth’ does not represent the majority. It was also highlighted that a staggering 72% of media references to ‘youth’ are negative, and only adds to the misconception.

The discussions naturally led to the riots and the involvement of ‘youth’, and much debate about ‘why?’. The general opinion from the panel was that there wasn’t just one clear reason, and that a number of factors were involved. A key point was raised by Sir Richard Leese that only a small percentage of those involved in Manchester were under 18, and that there was a far higher number of young people involved in the clear up than in the actual rioting itself, again highlighting the perception versus the reality.


A recurring issue throughout the event was engagement with young people, and concerns about the government cuts to youth services and the impact that this may have. Many felt that strong relationships were key to future progress, and the answer lies in government, agencies, housing associations, the private sector and individuals all working together to provide support and opportunities for young people.

Commenting on the Big Debate, Ian Perry said; “The riots earlier this year made this a very timely debate and has provoked some exciting topics and lively discussions. As a housing association we are constantly looking for ways to help young people to be the best that they can be, and the Fear Drama Group was a great representation of that.”

Ian added; “I think that the really big positive we can all take away from today’s debate is the clear passion that everyone involved; government, social housing, voluntary sector and the private sector all share a passion to help young people thrive. Thank you to the panel and the audience for their participation today.”
Panellist Twilight Bey said; “The Issues raised today about young people and the challenges they face during this debate is an excellent opportunity for us all to share good practice, learn and look to the future and work to help those who need it.”

Paul O’Ginsky said; “The country is going through a difficult time and I was delighted to take part in today’s debate and look at how we can work together to support young people in the most effective way.”

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