Powerful message on knife crime ‘is changing opinions’

BACH IMPRESSED BY IMPACT OF WORDS OVER WEAPONS CAMPAIGN

MORE than 2,000 schoolchildren have taken part in an interactive workshop aimed at discouraging them from carrying knives.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Lord (Willy) Bach, praised the work of the Words over Weapons (WoW) project, which aims to spread the anti-knife crime message to 8,000 youngsters across the county by March next year.

Lord Bach’s office provided funding to project leader Go-Getta CIC to help young people understand the repercussions of carrying knives through a series of sessions in schools.

“There is no doubt that hard-hitting facts and compelling testimonies are necessary to convey the seriousness of knife crime,” Lord Bach said.

“Many of those who have taken part in the assemblies and workshops have been deeply moved by what they have learned and have changed their opinions. This is what it is all about.”

Through his Prevention Fund, the PCC agreed to fund the equivalent of 10 hours of project and engagement work at Leicestershire schools every week during term time.

In addition to hosting assemblies and workshops in schools, the WoW team has forged 15 partnerships with schools and young people’s services and has recruited eight young ambassadors who are being supported to write and deliver a presentation on knife crime at an end-ofproject performance in March.

Lord Bach, said: “We are exploring lots of new and powerful ways of reaching young people in Leicestershire and challenging the culture and attitudes that encourage violence and knife crime.

“WoW has already reached 2,200 youngsters since April and project leaders are on course to engage with a further 6,000 by the end of March.

“I am impressed with the impact this project is already having on young people.”

WOW was previously funded by the Home Office as a pilot project working with aged 11 to 19.

The PCC agreed to provide funding to expand its work between April this year and March 2020, supporting its aims to educate young people about the dangers and risks of knife crime; equip them with the knowledge and skills to make better young people decisions about their lives and challenge their peers.

One 14-year-old participant said: “The case studies were really sad, especially the one where the boy carried a knife just to protect himself because he was bullied, but that’s what ended up getting him killed.

“It made me realise how carrying a knife won’t protect you in the end and it could make people think you are the dangerous one.”