SECONDARY school pupils in Coventry have been learning to say ‘no’ to knives.
Students at Blue Coat Church of England, West Coventry Academy, Coundon Court and Sidney Stringer schools have been visited by the No More Knives tour, an award-winning initiative provided by The Message Trust aimed at tackling knife crime among young people.
During the sessions, students hear first-hand stories from people who have been involved in knife crime.
They also combine storytelling with music and education for an impactful session that highlights the devastating impact of knife crime.
Each session aims to provide students with the knowledge and confidence they need to say ‘no’ to knives.
Blue Coat School Chaplain Lou Peet said: “Seeing our young people so engaged and interactive today has been a joy.
“To see our students genuinely contemplative, reflecting, and willing to pledge to never carry a knife is a precious and potentially life-saving thing.”
Year 7 student Olivia said: “I feel a lot more safer knowing that a lot more kids would agree to not carrying a knife.”
Holly, another Year 7 student, added: “I really enjoyed it. The music was exciting and gave a positive spin on a difficult topic.”
Safeguarding Lead Claire Franklin said it was a wonderful, inspiring, interactive experience for students.
She added: “The buzz around school was heart-warming. The messages were loud and clear and so well received by all students and staff.”
Partners involved include Coventry City Council, Coventry Police, Hope Coventry and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.
The work forms part of Coventry’s campaign to be a child friendly city – called Child Friendly Cov – and to enable children and young people to have their voice heard in matters important to them.
Coun Pat Seaman, council cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “The No More Knives tour tackles such an important issue for young people, and it is a chance for them to explore the issues and help put into practise the positive messages highlighted in the tour.
“We are really ambitious for Coventry to be the best city in the UK for children to grow up in.
“Child Friendly Cov aims to create a child and young person friendly city, ensuring that Coventry is a place where children and young people are valued, supported, and enjoy themselves.”
Paul Drover, Police Commander for the Coventry Local Policing Area, added: “Knife crime has hit the headlines in recent years and all the communities in Coventry must work together to protect our children and young people from becoming involved.
“The police cannot tackle this problem alone.”
The Message Trust is a Christian charity with over 30 years’ experience, which aims to help young people to know their true worth and identity.
CEO Sam Ward said: “Knife crime and its devastating impact is sadly never far from the headlines today, but we know there is a better way.
“Though the No More Knives tour, we want to tell young people how knives aren’t the answer, equip them with the skills they need to say ‘no’, and let them know there is hope.”
Steve Elton of HOPE Coventry added: “It has been wonderful to partner with the local police, council, churches and schools in being able to bring the Message Trust and their No More Knives tour into the city for the second time.
“The 2024 tour was a great success, with students and teachers commending the empowering message and engaging delivery around the emotive, challenging and important subject of knife crime.
“We are expectant that this year’s tour will have the same notable impact as it plays its part alongside the excellent work already taking place in this area, as we stand together, with young people across Coventry to say ‘No More Knives’ in our city.”
Funding was provided for the tour by Coventry City Council, Hope Coventry and The Message Trust.
