Suffolk police sets up scheme to reward teenagers' behaviour

The Green Card initiative launches on 20 March and will reward young people who have been active in their communities. Thought to be one of the most ambitious schemes of its kind, cards will be issued to young people who help tackle antisocial behaviour through activities such as litter picking and taking part in holiday projects.

The card holds the details of the young people and has space for 10 Let's Get a Life! stamps. Young people are given stamps as a reward for their achievements in the local community. Once all 10 stamp spaces are filled, the card gets entered in a monthly draw, where the young person can win up to £50 worth of vouchers donated by the Community Safety Partnership.

Nigel Dixon, creative director for the initiative, said it would aim to curb antisocial behaviour by encouraging young people to get involved with positive activities.

"There are a lot of young people doing a lot of good that often goes by the wayside," he said. "To reward everyone doing positive work will helpfully build a safer community."

The young people taking part will be drawn from 30 secondary schools and youth groups across the Waveney and Suffolk coastal areas. The Green Card scheme aims to fit in with school objectives of citizenship and social responsibility. Once they have filled their card, the young person will receive a certificate recognising and acknowledging their contribution to the campaign.

Dixon said he hoped the scheme would roll out across the whole of Suffolk and eventually go national. "It's good for everyone because there are young people being rewarded in school but if it helps to bring a focus on the issues of antisocial behaviour then everyone in the wider community can benefit."

The scheme is the latest phase in Suffolk Constabulary's Let's Get A Life! campaign, which aims to stem antisocial behaviour.