Fire & Rescue Service celebrating the contribution the young make to Luton

'I am more than ...', a new campaign to challenge negative stereotypes of young people and celebrate their contribution to the town, has been launched by SoLUTiONs

The campaign, funded by Luton's Community Safety Partnership, aims to improve public confidence and perceptions of safety. Some people feel afraid if they see groups of young people hanging around the streets and this is often compounded by negative media portrayal.

'I am more than ...' sets out to reassure the public that the vast majority of young people do not engage in antisocial behaviour or commit crime, and to create understanding and dialogue between different generations.

Young people from the town helped to launch the event with a performance demonstrating the positive contribution they make to the town and how important it is to develop understanding and help each other, regardless of age.

Cllr Joan Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Community Cohesion, said: "Luton is full to the brim with exceptional young people who go out of their way to help their local community. But so often, these young people are unfairly stereotyped by adults' unfair perceptions or images of them.

"Nobody gains when young people are treated differently as a result of misconceptions. As a community we should be recognising and celebrating the talents and achievements of our young people, and helping them to make the most of their skills."

The campaign will be high profile and high impact featuring regular positive stories in the media and online. People of all ages are encouraged to send in positive stories about young people involved in charity or voluntary work; or contributing in some way to their local community; or perhaps they are artistically or academically gifted or bringing pleasure or help to others; or they may have turned their lives
around for the better; or they may be carers - the list of possibilities goes on and on.

So if you know a young person who deserves to be recognised, please tell us about them so we can share it with others - see www.luton.gov.uk/iammore or call Michele Brawley on 01582 546231.

* 'I am more than' is a campaign by SoLUTiONs, Luton's Community
Safety Partnership including Luton Borough Council, Luton and
Bedfordshire Police, NHS Luton, Bedfordshire Probation Trust and Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service working in partnership with Luton's Herald and Post.

* Look out for 'I am more than ...' lamppost banners and
advertisements appearing around the town.