A scheme to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime is being extended into Herefordshire.
The Steer Clear scheme is funded via the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund, and delivered by West Mercia Police. Young people aged between 10 and 18 will be able to attend the six voluntary sessions in Ledbury for free, and hear from Hezron Brown. The Pride of Britain award winning motivational speaker and former gang member shares his lived experience to inspire others.
PCC John Campion helped to fund the Knife Angel statue to visit Hereford last summer. The statue raised awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife, becoming an attraction to residents and visitors to the city. This scheme continues to reinforce the safety messages and work with the community to reduce knife crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion “By tackling crime at the earliest stage we can help to prevent harm in our communities further down the line. These sessions have made a real impact in other areas, and Hezron’s input provides a real motivation for young people to rethink their attitudes and behaviours. I hope that through the investment I have made these sessions will continue to make a positive impact in Herefordshire too.”
Inspector James Ashton said: “The Steer Clear Workshop is a successful early intervention programme reaching out to those on periphery of knife related crime and I welcome its arrival in our county.
“Protecting young people from harm is absolutely integral to local policing and these workshops help children and young people recognise the risks of carrying knives and to challenge them people to consider a different, safer path in life.”
Hezron Brown said “These sessions are about inspiring young people to want to make a positive change within their local community, and as well with them as a person. These sessions are vital to helping the community grow.”
