Eighteen-year-old Leigh McPhee from Partington has successfully turned his life around since being given an ASBO at fifteen years old. Leigh was mixing with the wrong crowd, roaming the streets, and quickly became involved in acts of antisocial behaviour within his neighbourhood.
A year after receiving his first ASBO, the terms* of which included prohibition of using threatening, abusive or violent behaviour, congregating in groups of more than three or associating in a public place with a named relative, Leigh breached it by entering an area which he was banned from, and was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institution. He served 7 months of his term, and was released approximately four months ago.
Since his release, some of the terms of his ASBO have been lifted - because of changes in legislation and by agreement with Harvest, who obtained the original ASBO - which has enabled him to take up a full time job as a painter and decorator. Whilst detained, Leigh had the motivation and foresight to learn various skills; painting, decorating, joinery and brick laying, and he is thoroughly enjoying his new – found vocations.
Knowing his devoted girlfriend was waiting for him, he concentrated on improving his skills and knowledge in order to transform his life upon release. He’s now engaged, and living contently with his fiancé and mother in Trafford.
Leigh’s story counteracts recent claims in the media that the British ASBO culture is not effective. Of late, questions have been raised as to whether ASBOs effectively combat crime, and their long – term effects on young people.
Cathy Bennett, Community Safety Manager for Partington Housing Association (a member of Harvest Housing Group) adds;
“Leigh’s story illustrates how effective ASBOs can be. I’ve been involved in this case for 3 years and am pleased that a positive outcome can result from the action taken. Fortunately Leigh realised it was not too late to secure a better future by gaining work experience and behaving has been able to get himself on the employment ladder. He has grown into a responsible young man and shown maturity, I wish him well for the future.”
Neighbourhood Regeneration Officers in Partington work with young people in order to help reduce illegal or anti social behaviour.
Peter Wallroth, Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer (NRO) for Partington Housing Association said;
“Unfortunately Leigh had to learn the hard way by enduring 7 months in a young offenders institution. Thankfully the majority of young people from our neighbourhoods stay out of trouble, but many come across social development difficulties; such as obtaining jobs, or accessing further education due to reasons beyond their control.”
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A new scheme has been introduced to work towards eradicating such problems; ‘Big Life Employment’, which recently launched in Trafford offers immediate work placements for young people in the area, and it is hoped that this plan will increase the prospects of the young people taking part.
Speaking about the ‘Big Life’ initiative, Colette Johnson, Assistant Director of Big Life Employment said;
“We won an LSC contract to deliver information, advice and guidance to local people to support them to increase their learning, take advantage of volunteering and get back into employment this summer and thought that the job shop would be the perfect place to do this from. We’re looking forward to working with people living in Trafford and providing the information and advice they need to get the lives they want.”
The course offers vocational preparation, career progression, personal development and job-hunting programmes.