THE stereotype-busting Kids Are Alright campaign piloted through this newspaper has been launched across the country.

The team behind the multi award-winning campaign have produced a toolkit which was launched at the annual Youth Justice Convention in Newport from November 23-24.

The team had a special stall at the convention, where they handed out copies of the toolkit to many of the 700-plus people who attended.

Called The Kids Are Alright Challenge, the funky magazine-style toolkit is a call to action to other areas wishing to combat youth stereotypes in their areas. It includes a simple guide to setting up a Kids Are Alright campaign as well as explaining how and why the Fenland pilot was implemented.

The Kids Are Alright Challenge is aimed at youth groups, media organisations, public sector agencies, the voluntary sector and anyone wishing to promote positive youth images locally. As well as being available in hard copy, the booklet and all campaign materials can be downloaded from the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard websites.

Campaign manager Tali Iserles said: “Our stand at the annual Youth Justice Convention was very popular. The eye-catching mugshot style posters designed by Wisbech graphic design student Beth Moore were a massive hit and drew numerous people to our stall.

“Many people seemed interested in taking up The Kids Are Alright Challenge in their areas – so watch this space!”

Since being launched in Fenland in February 2009, The Kids Are Alright has taken off in Plymouth, Broxbourne and Luton.

Ms Iserles said: “Once the Cambridgeshire campaign started gaining momentum and winning prizes, different areas started approaching us, wishing to run their own Kids Are Alright campaigns. The team behind the Fenland pilot felt that a toolkit was the best way to keep spreading the Kids Are Alright message.”

The campaign highlights positive contributions young people make to society and challenges stereotypes surrounding youth, crime and antisocial behaviour.

It uses media coverage, posters, competitions and events to get its message across. All of the artwork has been designed by Wisbech graphic design student Beth Moore, 20, and features Fenland youth.

The Fenland team is made up of representatives from the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, the Cambridgeshire Criminal Justice Board, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Fenland District Council, Fenland Youth District Council, Connexions, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire County Council.

Last year The Kids Are Alright won Best Communication in Youth Justice at the Youth Justice Board’s Communicating Youth Justice Awards and was named Community Campaign of the Year at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards.