400 young people from across the West Midlands have participated in workshops aimed at reducing violence.
The workshops are delivered by 16 – 25 year olds who have received specialist training with a focus on knife crime, mental health and bullying.
The trainers are called Young Leaders and form part of a programme delivered by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.
The Partnership’s flagship youth programme, called Change Makers, focuses on amplifying the voices of young people. It equips them with the skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.
The Young Leaders have received training, support and resources to run the workshops in their communities where they deliver powerful messages designed to reduce the risk of violence.
They have been teaching other young people how to safely de-escalate heated situations and help prevent violence from occurring in the first place.
One of the Young Leaders, Prabhjot, 18 said: “Change Makers has improved me and my life in so many ways. I always thought I was confident, but Change Makers really showed me where I excel and where I can improve, and on top of that, how I can improve.
“I’ve met new people, learned more about my community and the West Midlands and made a change in my community.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “The essential importance of the Change Makers programme is that it hands the microphone over to our young people.
“It recognises the needs of each individual and supports them to become a more empowered version of themself.
“Young people are helping other young people stay safe. The messages are coming from someone they can relate to and someone who understands what it’s like to grow up in their area.
“I trust the programme will continue to flourish and reach as many young people as possible.”
Recent data shows that serious youth violence has dropped by 15% in the West Midlands.
