It’s operation ‘Hug-a-hoodie’

Nov 1 2008 by nick lavigueur, Hudd Sat

YOUNGSTERS in Clayton West are hoping locals will want to ‘hug a hoodie’ once they’ve seen the results of their new community project.

Tired of being viewed as criminals, a group of 10 youngsters have approached local councillors to see how they can break down negative perceptions of youths just because they wear hooded tops.

The new campaign dubbed, “Don’t judge a youth by its hoodie” and backed by a grant from the Denby Dale Area Committee, will kit the youngsters out with customised kitten logo hoodies carrying messages such as “It’s what’s inside that counts” and “There’s a real person inside everyone”.

The young hoodies plan to help out older residents with shopping and gardening and hope to interview residents about their views of teenagers in the town.

Kirklees Council children’s services boss and deputy leader of the council Clr Jim Dodds (pictured right) said he was totally behind the idea.

He said: “The youngsters are keen to stop the presumption that people think that all young people are hoodies and up to no good and try to make the generation gap smaller.

“I think it’s a really good scheme and I’m backing it one hundred per cent.”