Harmony Youth Project recently welcomed PC Mark Dixon from Darwen Police and Leah Payne from Healthwatch for a productive meeting about our Sharper Choices initiative.
The meeting focused on knife crime prevention and the importance of early education. In particular, we discussed opportunities to deliver Sharper Choices workshops in schools across the Darwen area.
Our workshops aim to help young people understand the realities and consequences of knife crime. However, the sessions are not simply about telling young people what not to do. Instead, we encourage open conversations about choices, peer pressure, personal safety and the situations young people may face.
Through Sharper Choices, we want young people to feel confident about making safer decisions. We also want them to know where they can turn if they feel worried, pressured or at risk.
Working alongside local police, community organisations and other professionals strengthens this approach. In addition, it helps us understand the issues affecting different communities and adapt our work accordingly.
The meeting generated some positive ideas about how we could bring the programme into local schools. We look forward to developing these conversations further.
By working together, we can educate young people earlier, encourage positive choices and help create safer communities.
