A GROUP of vulnerable young people made a DVD about what it is like to be given an antisocial behaviour order, as a warning to others in their situation.
The Elmore Community Services, a charity in Cowley Road, helps people with mental health problems by providing counselling and advice.
As part of its antisocial behaviour service, which was set up after it was recognised that people with mental health problems were regularly being given – and breaching – Asbos, it has teamed up with Oxford City Council to produce the 13-minute video.
It features people who have either been given the orders, or who are at risk of being given one, talking about the reasons behind their behaviour and ways to address it.
Jill Childs, director of the charity, said the DVD was being shown to other people at risk of offending.
She added: “The DVD also challenges people’s perceptions of who might be given an Asbo and gives an insight into the kinds of things that happen to people in their lives that lead up to them behaving in what is seen as an antisocial way.”
The DVD features two anonymous case studies, one of whom was given an Asbo for sex working and the other for causing disturbances.
Other people helped by the charity took part in making the DVD, including Maureen Young, who has been supported by the Elmore team for two years.
She appears in the DVD questioning a police officer over more effective alternatives to the orders.
She said: “Before I became involved with the Elmore Team, I was homeless, and not in a very good place mentally or physically.
“I took part in the DVD to show people that they can get help and it is out there.
It is hoped to make the video available online at the website elmoreteam.org.uk
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