YOUNG people in Leigh have been learning how to prevent a small problem turning into serious conflict.

The youngsters have been working with staff from Wigan Council on how to use ‘restorative approaches’ to solve a problem in their youth group, at school or in the community.

Tyler Neal, 11, from Leigh, who took part in one of the sessions, said: "I’ve learned to think before I act as if someone is hurt or annoyed it could spread from one person to wider people. I’ve learned to think about how many people I might affect with my behaviour."

Sheila Martland, a service manager at the council explains: "Restorative approaches are all about bringing people together including a trained mediator, in a calm environment. That person could be a young person or community member to lead a discussion."

"What we ask of everyone is to be non-judgemental, to see each other’s points of view, respect each other and give everyone a chance to have their say. It’s also about thinking about each other’s feelings and how behaviour might affect others."

She adds: "The aim is to work towards a positive way forward that benefits everyone. It can be a really beneficial approach in schools, local communities or even in the workplace to resolve a range of problems, from small to serious.’

Councillor Jo Platt, portfolio holder for children and young people said,

‘It’s fantastic to see children and young people learning how to solve problems in this way.

"In our deal for children and young people, we’ve made a commitment to help make the borough a place where everyone is accepted and valued and to encourage children and young people to be kind and caring to others."

Any schools or youth groups interested in restorative approaches should call 01942 487978 to find out more.