PRESS RELEASE

'OLD SCHOOL VS. NEW SKOOL CONFERENCE'

Options 4 Change in partnership with The Metropolitan Police, The British Association of Social Workers and Each One Teach One will be hosting the 'OLD SCHOOL vs. NEW SKOOL CONFERENCE.

The event will be held for young people, adults and professionals on Tuesday 26th September at the Damilola Taylor Sports Centre in Southwark.

The event will focus on addressing a number of social and political issues adversely affecting young people, parents and professionals working in education, welfare, social and justice services.

Options 4 Change and its partners are providing a day for moving forward to change the minds and lives of the affected individuals and their communities for better.

Features on the day include:

· A presentation from the Commander of Southwark Metropolitan Police Force.

· A number of BME students of excellence will have presentations to inspire their peers to secure their future by relinquishing the guns, knifes, attachments to gangs and peer pressure.

· National Black Boy's Can on the education system delivering to Black Boys, the need for improvement in parental and teachers relationships, for the best outcomes for black boys in the UK.

· A presentation by HMP Wellingborough Youth and Community Project from an inmate who is currently in the 24th year of his sentence. His presentation will have strong quotations for delegates on the consequence of imprisonment.

· British Association of Social Workers will focus on parents/carers concerns about their disconnection with the Police, education, social services and young people lifestyles issues.

· Metropolitan Police Operation Trident , will speak on youth involvement with guns Trident’s work to deal with the sources of supply.

· A Drama & Musical presentation 'Old School vs. New Skool'.

· Options 4 Change appeal to parents and the professionals to join them and their partners in pursuit of changes and meaningful opportunities for young people living in stigmatised communities.

Part 2 of the conference will take place in spring 2007.