Isn’t it time to celebrate ‘pro-social behaviour‘?

I live in a place called Stockton-on-Tees. It’s been here for around 1000 years and, like anything that’s been there for that long, it’s had its ups and downs. It’s a nice place – it’s a kind place – it’s a home for 190,000+ people and, with a massive life expectancy, (10 years+) variance across the Borough it is a diverse place. With that socio-economic diversity comes challenges and to an extent, Stockton High Street, (the widest and one of the oldest in the UK) exemplifies that human landscape – a microcosm of the Borough it serves. Yes – it displays occasional – I use that word through my own eyes – anti-social behaviour but please, let me propose that if you’ve never visited Stockton High Street before I’d urge you NOT to use ‘social’ media as your reference point. Or if you do, take what you read with a pinch of salt – because the reality – and I AM part of the reality is much more akin to our town Motto ‘Forward as One’ than any click-bait or misinformed comment you can easily find. It seems a shame that the MORE THAN occasional aspects of pro-social behaviour seen in the town aren’t the focus of site administrators that make money – let’s be clear about their key motivation – out of people’s clicks and comments.

The reality is that the High Street remains the same community hub as it has for the past 1000 years. Its physical make up is changing – drastically, as the bold decision to replace its ‘shopping’ facade with a new urban park takes shape. In doing so anything, we are re-connecting the circle of Stockton’s Past because – for the relentless commentators bemoaning ‘we need more shops’, for 750+ years we didn’t have any! We’ve had a market since 1310 – and, in spite of the popularity of ‘super’markets, whilst smaller, Stockton Market is still there – and its presence on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays still attracts a bustling and loyal customer base. Wobbly Wednesday – the phrase coined to describe the beer-induced state of people heading AWAY from the market is still very much a thing as people gather in the older pubs – to connect and converse. It is still celebrated – ironically in the same breath as the condemnation of High Street users struggling with addiction – keyboard warriors raising a glass to one drug and a cynical eyebrow to others.

I have been fortunate to enjoy various roles in the evolution of Stockton High Street since my ‘career’ / vocation began in earnest in 1994. For the purposes of transparency, I was previously engaged as ‘Creative Partner’ to Stockton Council – a fascinating and privileged role which enabled me to initiate new ways of bringing people together within times of austerity and dwindling resource. During my eventual 5 years I was able to create a number of initiatives that exist today – inspired by the uncovering and sharing and celebrating of Stockton’s Story. It was – naturally diverse and included the likes of World War 1 sunflower inspired initiatives; Lovelier Productions countering Love Productions Benefit Street; Ashley Banjo Town Dance and Festivals of Light, Colour, Music and Creativity.

One of my proudest achievements lives on today in the form of Infant Hercules – a steadily growing Pub Choir of 80 – 100 men who amplify the stories of Stockton, Teesside and themselves in a wholly unique, loud and proud sense. They epitomised Stockton Town Centre in many ways. They sing of the past to inspire a better future. They don’t shy away from issues and challenges – but symbolise our collective ability to bring about change. They inspire smiles, laughter, tears and empathy. They are the antithesis of the anti-social behaviour that, if did ignore my plea you would be hoodwinked into believing is an epidemic in Stockton. They are champions of Pro-Social Behaviour and, to reference Marianne Williamson again use their voices in an incredibly positive way – leading The Baring Foundation to declare ‘Every Town needs and Infant Hercules’:

‘As we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others’ M Williamson

Stockton High Street DOES have its problems – but as should always be the case, we can choose to use those problems to condemn, to be defeatist, to divide… or we can use Stockton’s Motto – Forward As One to work together to find solutions – or to at least help each other a little more. 1000 years – ups, downs, turnarounds – OUR seven stories – of ‘overcoming the monster’ of wars and epidemics; ‘Rags to Riches’ tales of hunger walks to London, (look up Johnny Longstaff for a real Stockton Hero), ‘The Quest’ and subsequent connection of the whole world through OUR Passenger Railway Pioneers; ‘The Voyage and Return’ of centuries of river and sea traders; ‘the comedy’ characters from Giggy Moon to Wax his Ends to folk like Will the Egg man and John the Pieman – Stockton folk are VERY funny; Of course we have had our fair quota of ‘Tragedy’ – but moreso of collective resilience and finally, Stockton has MANY ‘Rebirth’ moments – regeneration we call it – not least now.

So let’s accept that anti-social behaviour is a symptom – an indication that our town is real – is authentic – is, in parts broken. It is ours – and we own it. But it is also fixable – and, comparatively tiny when viewed against the richness of our very wide, very nice and very kind community. It has far more Pro-Social Behaviour than its antithesis – and living with both – the good and the bad are WHY I’m proud to call Stockton my home.