The pilot for Vagabonds & Ruffians involved twelve young people aged between 15 and 19 from Ashington in Northumberland and ran for sixteen months. The project had three part-time workers – a heritage worker, drama worker and dvd worker. These workers were supported by staff from NCAC.

The young people worked alongside the three workers to research the history of youth crime in Northumberland over the past 150 years. This research took a number of forms. There were visits to museums, archives and libraries alongside interviews with local historians, former police officers and members of the community.

The findings of their research are to be presented in three forms – a book, dvd and drama. The book is a high quality publication researched, compiled and edited by the young people themselves. The young people took part in desk top publishing workshops to learn the skills of compiling such a book and there were further sessions on writing, proof reading and cover design. As well as a book, the group has designed book marks, posters, certificates, invitations and promotion material.

The group is now completing their dvd and drama. The group’s dvd contains interviews and photographs of their work and is to be shown at museums, libraries, youth events and community groups. Fifty copies of the dvd will be distributed to these organisations.

The drama is a filmed reconstruction of Victorian prison life. It was filmed on location at Ripon Crime Museum and in Ashington. There will be a special showing of the completed film in Ashington and then there will be further performances throughout Northumberland. Copies of the dvd will be distributed to archives, schools and community organizations.

Some of the young people taking part in this project have volunteered over 500 hours and have shown great enthusiasm and commitment throughout. They have developed a great interest in their local heritage and passed on their findings to a wider audience. Their work has also informed and entertained a section of the local community who, in turn, now has a greater understanding of young people and what they can achieve.

For further information contact the project co-ordinator - details above/left.

PHOTO CAPTION - A packed Hirst Welfare Centre in Ashington for the Vagabonds & Ruffians Open Day.


Northumbria Coalition Against Crime, Northumbria Police HQ, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0BL
Telephone 01661 868 424, Fax 01661 868488, E-mail info@thecoalition.org.uk