Programme aimed at educating young people on the impacts of anti-social behaviour funded by District Council

Prison Me No Way is a registered charity, providing bespoke sessions into educational facilities, providing real life learning experiences for young people to raise awareness of consequences, risky decision making, and prevent them becoming involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.

Pupils at the Magnus Church of England Academy took part in a workshop which focused on choices and explored how a decision you make can impact not only your life but those of your family and friends too. Students got to meet some current serving prisoners, hear their stories and ask them questions as well as see a to-scale prison cell.

Newark and Sherwood District Council have funded the programme as part of their work to tackle anti-social behaviour which includes working with partners, organising diversionary activities and educating younger generations on the serious real-life impact taking part in anti-social behaviour can have. The programme is being rolled out to schools across the district with the Suthers school taking part in February. 

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Newark and Sherwood District Council is absolutely committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and an important part of this work includes speaking to the younger members of our communities and educating them on the impacts of anti-social behaviour. It is great that we’ve been able to fund these Prison Me No Way workshops as they enable pupils to explore consequences in a safe, fun and protected environment.

“It was brilliant to see that the Magnus Church of England Academy enjoyed their workshop which included some incredibly insightful questions and reflections from the students. I look forward to the continuation of the programme to schools across the district.”

John Trevatt, Head of History and PSHE at Magnus Church of England Academy said: “All the students at Magnus Academy engaged well in the workshops over the 2 days. Speaking to students in year 9 and 10 they enjoyed the workshops and benefitted from engaging with the speakers who brought personal life experiences to the students and welcomed them to ask questions so they could learn the consequences of their choices.”