A drama project piloted in Glasgow North East Local Community Planning Partnership area has won an award for the UK's best community and neighbourhood initiative.  The Strathclyde Fire and Rescue team were presented with the award at the APSE Service Awards 2008 where over 800 local government representatives joined forces at Nottingham Ice Arena. APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK.

The ‘Choices’ Initiative saw Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Kickstart Theatre Group team up to tour schools throughout North Glasgow and the East End to get some serious fire safety messages across to young people before they broke for their summer holiday.

Area Commander Steve King said, "We are always interested in finding new ways to engage with young people.  Using drama has proven to be very successful. The play cost £15, 000 to commission and perform in 71 local schools.  We timed the play to coincide with the start of the summer holidays when we traditionally face an extreme rise in hydrant vandalism and fire-setting.  As part of a suite of anti-social behaviour reduction initiatives in this area, Kickstart Theatre's innovative use of forum theatre has contributed towards a dramatic impact on anti social behaviour in our area."

Community Safety Co-ordinator Stephen McKee and Kickstart Theatre Artistic Director Rob Kane were involved in setting the initiative up. 

Community Safety Co-ordinator Stephen McKee said, "We were confident that Kickstart Theatre could engage with young people in a positive and fun way.  Our evaluation confirmed a very positive response.  100% of teachers surveyed felt that the play had 'a lot of impact' and they recommended it be repeated in other schools.  And top answers picked by pupils to describe the play included 'fun', 'interesting' and 'cool'.  If we can influence young people while being 'fun', 'interesting' and 'cool' then I think we've achieved our mission."

Kickstart Theatre's Rob Kane said, "We use a method called forum theatre. Basically, once pupils have watched the play for 20 minutes approx they then have the opportunity to 'replay' key scenes where the characters have made bad choices.  Members of the audience replace characters in the play and change the choices and outcomes.  Forum theatre lets young people realise the effects of their actions, not only on themselves, but also in the wider community."