Teen offenders help with shopping

Organisers say the youths will be closely supervised

Young offenders are to help pensioners at a day centre in Port Talbot with shopping as part of their punishment.

The local safety partnership said the scheme would help elderly people with mobility difficulties and allow youths convicted of crimes to make amends.

Usually as part of their sentence they do tasks such as gardening, painting, clearing rubbish or cleaning graffiti.

Age Concern has welcomed the initiative which organisers said would see the youths closely supervised at all times.

Youth offending supervisor for the area Karen Davies said: "It is about encouraging the young people to be accountable for the consequences of their actions and put something positive back into the community.

"By helping an older person with something like their weekly shop it is a positive outcome for everyone.

"It is hoped to break down barriers between old and young and help reduce the fear of crime many elderly people have."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version