Well done John for making a stand

Church Army evangelist John Hotchin has been hailed as a local hero for his courage in making a stand against vandalism and antisocial behaviour in his parish. Members of Hull Citysafe and Hull City Council's antisocial behaviour team have nominated John for a regional Taking a Stand Award in recognition of his efforts.

As minister in charge of St George's Church, Marfleet, John who moved to the church more than four years ago with his family, has been a victim of a range of abuse. This includes vandalism to his wife's car, youths causing disturbances outside their window every night and the church grounds being littered with used condoms and syringes. In a recent Hull In Print interview, John states, "None of this deters me. It just gives me the resolve to persevere and do something more positive.

"The most used condoms I've removed at one go was fifteen. And I must have picked up around a hundred cans and bottles on some mornings that's just the ones that weren't smashed against my church walls. Over the summer months I must have had around 30 young people sat on my church steps on many nights."

John is certainly no stranger to tough challenges. As a Church Army evangelist for 34 years, John has worked in some of the toughest parts of Britain, including inner city areas of Manchester and Birmingham, mining communities in South Yorkshire and Southampton Docklands. His current post in Hull is no exception.

John works hard to stand up to antisocial behaviour by building up trust among children and young people at school assemblies and through 'streetwork' which sees him walking around the streets at night approaching, groups of young people and talking to them. He explains, "I talk to these young people about anything. I try to make them realise that what they are doing is spoiling the area for other people, and that I am their friend and want to be able to work with them. I say to them that if they can just stop and think, then maybe we can do more together."

John also works with parents, teachers and the local police to ensure that the community is a safe place to live. John is making a difference and the amount of antisocial behaviour around the rectory and church grounds has started to reduce. His recent nomination for the  Taking a Stand Award is significant as it recognises how far John has come to tackle vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

The Taking a Stand Award, now in its third year, rewards people who stand up to unacceptable behaviour in their community. Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony and will be given £1,000 in prize money to spend on improvements to their local area.

Of his award nomination, John says, "It's something I never looked for but those I've worked with namely the Hull Citysafe and Hull City Council's antisocial behaviour team nominated me for the work I've been doing in the community. I feel it's in one sense a recognition of all the work I've put in and it's been a lot of hard work."

The Taking a Stand Award will take place in March 2006 when the winners will be announced. Visit the Taking a Stand Award website for more information.

Check out  John Hotchin's record for more information on his work.