WESTON students have taken part in a "crucial" workshop focused on the consequences of carrying a knife and what to do if a loved one is stabbed.

150 Year Nine pupils from Winterstoke Hundred Academy attended the North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership presentation, which was part-funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and involved members of the Police, Avon Fire and Rescue, North Somerset Council and medics/surgeons from the Army.

During the workshop, students were encouraged to tell their school, the police, or FEARLESS if someone they know is carrying a knife. FEARLESS is the youth arm of Crimestoppers.

A film was shown which highlighted the tragedies that could happen if they didn't report someone carrying a knife.

Police also engaged in discussions with pupils, offering advice on who to approach if they are concerned.

 

Students received first-aid training for victims of knife wounds, training that could potentially save someone's life in the future.

Agnes, a Year Nine pupil at Winterstoke Hundred, said: “When you hear about knife crime it can be very worrying, but because there are so many different organisations that will support you and help you, it is not as scary, and they will always be there to help you if you need to speak to anyone.”

Sarah-Jayne Evans, Teacher of PSHE & Business and organiser of the event, said: “We are grateful to our colleagues in the police, fire service, council and army for giving up their time to support our young people in developing their understanding of the detrimental effects of knife crime and to teach them vital first aid skills in order to support us to keep our community safe.

Weston Mercury: 150 students took part.150 students took part. (Image: Cabot Learning Federation)

“At Winterstoke Hundred, we value the importance of our students' personal development curriculum and this event further supports their understanding of topical issues that educate our young people.”

A spokesperson from North Somerset Council’s violence reduction team said: “It was great to be involved in delivering the Blunt Truth workshop, as events like these give us a crucial opportunity to increase young people’s knowledge about the seriousness of knife crime and the ways we can help prevent it.

“I hope the students who attended feel more confident about how to report knife crime through FEARLESS, which lets young people share their concerns safely and anonymously.”