The Bling Within
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
27/01/2009
A team of budding entrepreneurs have turned their back on crime to raise money for charity.
Young offenders from Hammersmith & Fulham have been working on a three-month long project called The Bling Within, which explained the ins and outs of earning money legally, to show the youngsters how it can be rewarding to make cash in an honest way. Topics that were covered included the stock market, taxes and accounts, and being your own boss.
With their newly acquired skills, the young people then set about building a business selling t-shirts they had themselves designed. The business team sold over 90 t-shirts raising more than £900 for STAR – Steps to Atonement and Redemption – which provides financial assistance to charities that support individuals, families, and communities affected by gun and knife crime. The group has also taken orders for more t-shirts since the programme ended in December.
Councillor Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children’s services, said: “The idea behind the programme was to educate and empower young people by showing them that you can earn a living honestly, without turning to crime.
“All the young offenders who took part in the scheme demonstrated real dedication to a task where they earned no money and helped a worthwhile cause. It proves that hard work does pay off and has its rewards – both financial and personal – and I hope that the youngsters will remember this and apply what they have learnt to what they do in the future.”
The Bling Within participants were praised for their commitment to the programme at an award ceremony on Wednesday December 17.
