Fridays Coventry youth group nominated for national award for scheme diverting young people away from crime and violence - The Coventry Observer

Fridays Coventry youth group nominated for national award for scheme diverting young people away from crime and violence

Coventry Editorial 12th Mar, 2022 Updated: 12th Mar, 2022   0

A COVENTRY initiative established by a city teenager to divert children and young people away from a life of violence, crime and anti-social behaviour has been shortlisted for a national award.

Fridays, which was set up with a grant of just £5,000 by Tyler Campbell, has made it to the finals of 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 that could benefit people his own age, he created a facility 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 socialise in a safe environment while enjoying activities such as open mic nights, DJ sets and ping pong, but it also provides help with self-development – from education, training and employment opportunities to learning new skills, such as CV writing.

Ms Bennett said: “As High Sheriff I’m keen to recognise unsung leaders who are making a difference in our community. And speaking as a foster mum I want to praise anyone who is helping keep young people safe and encouraging them to take positive pathways in life.

“For me, Tyler embodies both aims. He is a natural leader who can reach young people across communities and have a real impact because he talks their language.”

The winners will be announced on March 15th.

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