Young people across Northern Ireland were urged to be fearless in the fight against crime as crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers launched its new service for young people.
Fearless is the new youth brand that introduces young people to the service provided by Crimestoppers. It consists of the website, www.fearless.org, where young people can get information about crimes that affect them and also gives them the opportunity to pass on information about crime anonymously.
Local celebrities have been getting behind the campaign by confessing to their innermost fears. Apprentice Star Ben Clarke is petrified of needles, Sports Anchorman Graham Little can’t stand mice, while Model Katie Larmour has no problem scuba diving apart from her fear of boats.
Crimestoppers Northern Ireland Regional Manager Susan Brew said: “Young people are one of the most important audiences for Crimestoppers to communicate with, but they haven’t always understood or been willing to interact with the charity. The new brand will empower young people to be ‘fearless’ in passing on information about crime anonymously, safe in the knowledge that their identity will never be revealed and they will never have to speak to the police.
The event, held at Belfast’s re-opened Ulster Museum, was attended by over 50 young people. There were interactive presentations on the new website and brand before a Q & A session for the young people with Olympic Medal Winner and newly-crowned European Champion Boxer Paddy Barnes on a theme of the importance of having courage to conquer fears and achieve success.
Paddy Barnes said; “When I step into the ring I have to conquer any fear and stay focussed. Fearless is a great website for young people to encourage them to do the right thing, and give them the confidence that no-one will ever know they contacted Crimestoppers.”
A number of stakeholder organisations who work with young people also came along for a more detailed look at how the brand will operate in Northern Ireland.
Susan Brew concluded: “We want to reassure young people that information they give us about crimes is taken seriously; everyday 20 people are arrested and charged as a result of information given to Crimestoppers which proves our service is effective in fighting crime. It’s vital that everyone realises that they can play an important role in helping make their communities better places to live.”
