Arc news: April 2016

Uncovering stranger danger for both young people and adults in Havering

This spring, Arc has been presenting two different awareness-raising programmes in the London Borough of Havering, funded by Havering Safer Neighbourhood Board in partnership with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

Broadcast for secondary schools

Exploring grooming, sexual predators, online/technology safety and healthy relationships, Broadcast - devised and facilitated by Education Director Natalie Smith, has been performing to students in Years 7 to 9, designed to:

• raise awareness of the risks and consequences of inappropriate sexual behaviour,
• inform young audiences about the law and legal implications of ‘sexting’ etc.,
• understand the principles of consent,
• alert young people to predator danger and the grooming techniques used,
• explore the very real and damaging consequences of cyberbullying,
• equip young people with basic communication tools and reasoned arguments to enable them to make real change in their own choices and behaviours,
• encourage respect, healthy relationships and personal responsibility,
• signpost relevant services,
• explore difficult and sensitive issues in a safe and inclusive environment.

 

“I really enjoyed the drama and it really made me realise the dangers in social media.” KS3 Student

 

“The actors were amazing and they really made me think about the choices I make online.” KS3 Student

 

“All were keen to be involved and it was evident that the pupils thought deeply about the subject.” Havering Teacher

 

Broadcast in Havering featuring Tendayi Jembere, Natalie Smith and Katie Snooks: image ©Theresa Snooks

School for Scammers for Community Groups

For community groups in Havering, we have been presenting a second tour of School for Scammers - devised and facilitated by Artistic Director Clifford Oliver.

School for Scammers tells the story of the Carmichael family - Don, his wife Loretta and his teenage son Rudy.  Don has been released from prison after serving time for a number of offences, mostly involving theft and burglary.  He has spent more than fifteen years of his life in prison - all for the same kind of offences.  This time, however, he has promised Loretta that things are going to change and that he is not going back… but Don’s way of staying out of prison isn’t by going straight, and Rudy’s going to help him…

Scamming can take a multitude of forms, from the identity fraud through your letterbox and the get-rich-quick swindle in your email, to the courier con on your telephone, or the roofing repair trick at your door. Scammers make their living by gaining your confidence and deceiving you out of your money or possessions by increasingly creative methods – using the latest technology, loopholes, or just plain lies… and everyone is at risk, not just the elderly or vulnerable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School for Scammers in Havering featuring Clifford Oliver, Nita Bocking and James Craze: image ©Theresa Snooks

To find out how we can raise awareness with adults and young people in your area, contact Nita Bocking at Arc on 020 8595 8509.