A COVENTRY youth club established by a city teenager to divert children and young people away from a life of violence, crime and anti-social behaviour has won a prestigious national award.
Fridays, set up with a grant of just £5,000 by Tyler Campbell, has scooped the National Crimebeat Award – organised by the Youth Crime Prevention Charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales.
Fridays was nominated by Louise Bennett OBE DL, High Sheriff of the West Midlands.
Tyler came up with the idea in 2019 after a spate of incidents in which people he knew had either died or been sent to prison as a result of knife crime.
Thinking about a positive move which could benefit people his own age, he created the group to bring education and entertainment together for young people.
A weekly club for 11 to 18-year-olds in Coventry, Fridays provides a safe space for young people to socialise every Friday night.
Its primary aim is to allow the young people to spend time together in a safe environment while enjoying activities such as open mic nights, DJ sets and table tennis. But it also provides help with self-development – from education, training and employment opportunities to learning new skills, such as CV writing.
A delighted Tyler told the Observer: “I’m still in shock, I can’t believe it – it’s going to take time for this to set in.
“I think it shows what hard work, dedication and a good team of people can achieve.
“Thank you to Louise Bennett and Chris Robinson who are both very humble to help us achieve this award.”
Ms Bennett said as High Sheriff she was keen to recognise unsung leaders making a difference in the community.
“To be a Trustee of Fridays is to know you are making a difference as recognised by Fridays and Tyler Campbell winning the National Crimebeat Award 2022 for the work to provide young people with positive opportunities, keeping them away from anti social behaviour and potentially crime”.
Visit fridays.org.uk or facebook.com/coventryfridays for more on the group.
Click here for Fridays’ take on the day on Instagram.
