Former young offenders give something back - crafting bird boxes to raise charity cash

Swindon’s young offenders have been putting something back into society over the past few weeks, by raising money for a worthy charity and showing off their artistic skills at the same time.

As part of their work with Swindon Borough Council’s Youth Offending Team, a number of young offenders have been focusing on the consequences of their behaviour in order to put right the harm they have caused in tangible ways.

Looking for a way of putting this into practice, the young offenders, who are all under 18, have made best use of their artistic talents by decorating attractive bird boxes for public sale. The bird boxes were soon on show at Headway Swindon’s Summer Fayre, and proved so popular they quickly sold out.

Headway Swindon is a charity which aims to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and provide information, support and services to people with the injury, their families and carers.

The Summer Fayre was the perfect venue for the young offenders, who have been focusing on the consequences of physical assaults in Swindon that lead to serious head injuries

Cllr Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and School Attainment, said: “Most young offenders are willing to learn from their mistakes under the supervision of the Borough’s Youth Offending Team, by working on activities which encourage them to give something back to their local community.

“It is fantastic that the young people involved with this project used their artistic talents to such effect by raising £150 for such a great charity like Headway.

“The young offenders were receptive to the messages about the impact which violent behaviour can have, sometimes causing life changing injuries. I am delighted they now appreciate the harm caused by this type of behaviour and are willing to do something positive to put it right.”