BE SAFE PROJECT…Knife Talk

The ‘Weapons Awareness Programme…Knife Talk’ is a National Education Strategy which aims to challenge young people’s perceptions of weapons and violence.  The Be Safe approach is based on delivering factual information in a completely non-judgemental way, leaving the young person to make up their own mind as to whether carrying weapons is worth it or not?  KnifeCrimes.org are a Partner Organisation and it's Founder Ann Oakes-Odger is part of the 'Be Safe' Train the Trainers' Team.


Workshops for Schools

Areas covered in the Be Safe programme include:-

  • The History of the Knife
  • Weapons & Self Defence
  • The Medical implications of using a Weapon
  • The Law
  • Social Implications
  • Revenge & Reprisals
  • Firearms

 

Workshops for Schools, Youth Groups, young offenders via Youth Offending Teams…hosting presentations for parents and teachers, so they are aware of the input their children will be receiving. The programme was originally designed to deal with offenders only, but it soon became apparent that if many of these young people had been provided with the information about the consequences of carrying a ‘Knife’ then they would never have entered the Criminal Justice System. The project is now part of preventative, restorative justice and reparation measures provided in Schools, Youth Groups and Associated Organisations.

Be Safe Workshop:
Following an evaluation by Newham Youth Offending Team of 1000 young offenders who revealed they were habitual knife carriers…then attended the Be Safe Workshop. Of those, only 8.5% re-offended and only 1.75% were found in possession of a knife. The delivery of the harsh realities of what can happen when carrying a knife (often ‘street-termed’…blades, chiv, chive, shiv, or shank) and in legal terms an ‘Offensive Weapon’. During the School sessions a large number of school-children admitted to carrying knives for ’so called’ self-defence! Government research indicates that more than 30% of youngsters Nationwide carry knives!

Be Safe…delivers a talk that allows the young person to question ‘why they carry a knife’…the short and long term repercussions of carrying them. The cycle of revenge and reprisal attacks, the drastic effects on families as a result of serious injury or worse, a persons death. These realities are explained in an understandable way along with the medical implications of when someone is stabbed! Following this in-depth education…they are given choice, informed choices to make them think about the consequences.

The ‘Weapons Awareness’ sessions are called ‘Knife Talk’ A qualified, licensed project - recognised by the Home Office.

 

For Further information email:  ann@KnifeCrimes.org