Poppy Power
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
11/11/2008
Young offenders have been making thousands of poppies in a drive to help the British Legion and also pay their debt to society.
A dozen youngsters, aged between 10 – 18 years old, have spent several sessions with members of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s youth offending team learning about the issues behind the two world wars and putting together the red poppies that are sold to mark Remembrance Sunday.
Councillor Antony Lillis, H&F Cabinet Member for Community & Children’s Services, says, “Our innovative approach is encouraging these young offenders to think about conflict and the effect it has on families, friends and other residents. They are doing a great job and they have become very enthusiastic about the poppy making and have set themselves and each other very high standards.”
The finished poppies were returned to the Royal British Legion who sold them in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday.
Some of the young people’s knowledge about the Great War and World War II is very sketchy, others have grandparents who fought in the Second World War, but all of them have shown a great deal of interest and their feedback about the project has been very positive.
Chloe Stewart, said: " Its our chance to say thanks to the people that fought in the war."
Leila Walhon added: "I did not realise the significance of why we have poppies until I started making them and how they helped others.
As part of the initiative, the young people involved were also given a talk by customers who attend the Elgin Close Resource Centre in Shepherds Bush, which is part of Notting Hill Housing. The Resource Centre offers a diverse activity service and is available for older people 55+ living in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
