Youngsters launch city 'kindness crusade'

Young people launched their own "kindness crusade" in Leicester city centre.

Dressed as secret agents, they surprised members of the public with random acts of kindness, giving out goodies and talking to people about issues affecting them.

Saturday's event was all part of a campaign run by Agents4Change, a national volunteering organisation for young people to challenge stereotypes of teenagers as yobs and hoodies.

At the event, teenagers also spoke to shoppers about issues such as crime, drink, drugs, gangs and education.

Connor Craggs, 16, from Evington, said: "We want to change people's views on young children and teenagers. We don't want people to think that we are all hooligans.

"We've been talking to people and lots have stopped to find out what we're doing and answer our questions.

"We've mainly been asking people what changes they'd like us to make, and most have said they want less violence from young people.

"We're showing not all young people are violent."

Jade Johnson, 16, from New Parks, said: "I first got involved in volunteering to help my career in the future.

"I want to be a councillor when I'm older so this is good for things like that.

"Today is about coming out into the street to find out what people in the community want from young people."

Agents4Change is calling on councils to give young people a voice and a better chance to shape local decisions.

Full-time Agents4Change volunteer Farzana Topia said: "Now is the right time to demonstrate the positive impact young volunteers can make, and raise the debate about how to give more power to young people by putting them at the heart of activities and services that affect their lives.

"Through Agents4Change we know that when young people are given a platform to speak out they can have real influence in local communities and on the national stage too."