The Violence Reduction Partnership is running sessions with children in Birmingham, aged 3-5 years old, that focus on staying safe and managing emotions as part of its bid to reduce violence in the city.
The activities are taking place in nurseries and primary schools and have been praised by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
The sessions use fun and creative activities to teach young children how to talk about their feelings, who their trusted adults are and how to be kind to others and themselves.
They are taught how to name feelings, how to recognise them and what to do if they are feeling angry, overwhelmed or scared.
It’s acknowledged by experts that interventions to prevent violence amongst teenagers and adults need to start as early as possible in a person’s development.
Sessions happen over 6 weeks and facilitators use stories and songs to help boost self-esteem and feelings of safety amongst the children to improve wellbeing and behaviour.
The nurseries and schools are then left with the resources they need to continue the work in future groups.
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “It is of utmost importance that we start engaging earlier on with our children to minimise risks of violence.
“These sessions equip our children with essential knowledge and tools to help recognise when something bad is happening to them and what to do to help themselves.”
The project, Bright Beginnings is funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership and delivered by Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid (BWSA).
Teachers are asked to record observations of behaviour before and after the sessions and significant improvements have been seen with things like expressing strong feelings without violence, managing conflict in a healthy way and being a good friend.
Naazma Akhtar, Early Years Workshop Facilitator from BWSA, said: “The sessions lay a strong foundation for children during their formative years, encouraging them to reflect on qualities of a good friend and how to embody these behaviours.
“By teaching children early on that everyone is responsible for their actions and that there is no excuse for abuse, we are fostering a culture of accountability.”
Staff from schools are also trained on how to detect signs of domestic abuse, to help them identify children or parents who may be victims of violence at home and how to support.
