Young people share their voice at knife crime roadshows in Mansfield and Worksop

Nottinghamshire Police hosted a knife crime roadshow at North Notts College in Worksop, West Notts College in Mansfield, and Nottingham College’s campuses in Basford and the city centre.

The events – held between November 17 and 20 – formed part of Sceptre, a national police week of action, and the sessions were appropriately curated to educate young people about the realities of knife crime.

Specialist force youth outreach practitioners spoke with more than 1,000 students across the week about the stark and devastating realities of knife crime and alternative routes to avoid becoming involved with knife offences through positive activities.

During the roadshow, the students took part in a decisions-based activity where they progressed through a scenario involving a knife, which revealed the consequences of their actions and the help available.

There was also an opportunity for young people to share their thoughts and ideas directly with the police about how they would help to reduce knife crime offences.

A team from Operation Cognition, the force’s dedicated work to increase awareness of and tackle the harms caused by consuming alcohol and cocaine together, was also available to speak with young people about how to keep safe at parties and nights out.

When alcohol and cocaine are mixed, it causes a toxic psychoactive substance to form in the body, known as cocaethylene, which can increase impulsive, violent, and aggressive behaviour.

It can also increase the risk of fatal heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.

Charities and partners, including Change Grow Live, Remedi, StreetDoctors, and St John’s Ambulance, also attended the roadshow with their own stalls to engage with young people.

Tremayne Blair, Nottinghamshire Police’s youth outreach and engagement co-ordinator, said: “The message is clear, knives ruin lives and there is never any excuse for anyone to be carrying these weapons on our streets.

“Our work to engage with young people across Nottinghamshire during our roadshow has been really well received, and the students have been enthusiastic to listen, learn, and tell us about their concerns.

“The voice of young people is really important in what is often a difficult conversation to help equip teenagers with the life skills needed to enable them to navigate any challenges they may experience.

“The decision to carry and use knives has devastating consequences.

“This is why it is so important that we speak with young people and educate them on the topic if they find themselves in a scenario where they ever consider carrying or using a weapon.

“Preventing anyone from picking up a knife in the first place is vital to reducing knife crime, and that is why early intervention and education are so significant.

“We will continue to work in partnership with schools and colleges to speak directly with young people as we endeavour to change mindsets that it is never acceptable to carry a knife.”

Rebecca Butcher, Nottingham College's assistant principal for student support, added: “We’re committed to supporting our students beyond the classroom by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe.

"This event was about sharing important information, but also about creating open dialogue, challenging misconceptions, and empowering young people to make positive choices.”