A young person in Wolverhampton says he has stopped carrying knives after taking part in a one-to-one support programme delivered across the West Midlands.
The programme uses police data to identify young people who may be at risk of carrying knives, and works to support them through one-to-one and group mentoring, life skills sessions and creating safe spaces.
35 young people, aged 11-22 have taken part in the programme regionally.
They receive therapeutic support, sessions on home renovation, and music studio sessions. Three young people in Wolverhampton have even collaborated to produce their own music track with the help of EYES, a youth organisation.
One young person, aged 15 completed 10 weeks of mentoring. He was not in education, employment, or training and was assessed as being at risk of exploitation, with significant concerns linked to knife carrying.
At the end of the 10 weeks he stated that without his mentor, he believes he could have ended up in a Young Offenders Institution. He has also shown a keen interest in re-engaging with education.
Each young person is allocated £2000 of funding to provide them with bespoke support. The programme is funded by the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said: “Young people can sometimes feel the need to carry knives to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“If they get into an argument – they may be more likely to use it and could also run the risk of being injured by their own knife.
“One life lost to knife crime or violence of any kind, is one too many.
“I am pleased to be supporting a programme that provides young people with positive activities, opportunities and access to safe trusted adults they can confide in.”
One of the participants, aged 16, expressed how useful it has been to have access to mentors: “Someone that has come from experience is talking to you and showing you the right way – they actually know what’s happening”.
