I work in a secondary school in South Shields and, in the main, our young people are sound individuals who are a credit to their community.

Instead of asking what is wrong, why don't we build on what is right?
I run two performing arts groups with about 50 young people who are aged from six to 19.

These youngsters are not just working for themselves, but putting back into society by raising funds for charity.

The groups have little or no financial support and it is left to parents to foot the bill.

Myself and many others give their time for nothing. Provide the finance for those young people who are not creating a nuisance, and maybe those people who are left out in the cold may come knocking at the door to come in.

Young people are capable of making their own decisions when given all the facts. Give them a voucher of money to spend on worthwhile activities.

They can choose it or lose it – they would then have the choice and organisations would try harder to entice young people into worthwhile ventures.

Terence Perry,
Park Rise,
Newcastle.