'Neighbourhoody' helps pupils consider impact of anti-social behaviour

Pupils from Westfield Sports College were one of the first in Sheffield to participate in interactive theatre performances to raise awareness of the negative impact of anti-social behaviour in Sheffield.

 

A special play, called Neighbourhoody, has been developed by Sheffield Homes and Dead Earnest with the help of Year 10 pupils from a local secondary school to highlight how anti-social behaviour can have a negative affect on neighbourhoods and people’s lives.

 

This play is very different from traditional theatre…pupils are actively encouraged to stop the play and make changes!

 

As the play progresses if pupils disagree with any behaviour performed by the characters, they can stop the play, rewind it and become the director for that scene.  This encourages pupils to think about what they are seeing and encourages them to discuss why behaviour in the play is wrong or may not be the most appropriate way to deal with things.

 

Pupils from Westfield Sports College will be joined by Paul Makin, Director of Local delivery for Children and Young Peoples Directorate in Sheffield City Council and Peter Morton, Chief Executive of Sheffield Homes.

 

The play is funded by Sheffield Homes and is therefore free to interested schools. 

 

Peter Morton, Chief Executive at Sheffield Homes said, “We are always looking at new and interesting ways to show people how serious anti-social behaviour is and how they can help to stop it in their neighbourhood.”

 

Dead Earnest will be performing neighbourhoody to Year 7-10 pupils in schools throughout November.

 

Councillor Harry Harpham, Cabinet Member Children's Services, Sheffield City Council, added, “This is exactly the approach we are keen to take with young people.  We are encouraging our teenagers to understand that their actions have consequences, and that the choices they make affect others.  This production is a great way to get that message across to Sheffield young people."

 

Schools or parent governors interested in finding out more neighbourhoody can contact Sheffield Homes’ Community Engagement Team on 0114 273 5566 or email getinvolved@sheffieldhomes.org.uk