Safe spaces in Coventry tackling youth violence in the region
West Midlands Police are working with 19 designated safe spaces in Coventry to help reduce youth violence
West Midlands Police and the Violence Reduction Partnership are working with 19 designated safe spaces in Coventry to help reduce youth violence.
This week West Midlands Police, alongside Warwickshire Police, have launched Operation Sceptre, a twice-yearly nationwide week of events aimed at tackling knife crime and steering young people onto better trajectories.
Neighbourhood officers across the county have planned events through the week, ranging from the installation of knife surrender bins to going to schools with VR headsets to deliver powerful presentations on the dangers of carrying a knife.
Police forces across the region are using the operation to look at ways they can intervene early, to prevent tragedy and to direct young people to more positive outcomes.
The youth-led My Tomorrow campaign, ran by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, aims to provide a voice to young people against youth violence and anti-social behaviour in the region.
In Coventry, there are 19 designated safe spaces for young people to attend which aim to empower a collective youth voice and build a brighter future for young people.
Alex Jane, Early Help Partnership Coordinator, Coventry City Council said: “By delivering safe spaces, we are providing young people with a unique platform to voice their ideas, showcase their talents, and engage with their community.
"Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive environment where our youth know what opportunities are in the city for them and thrive."
Tyreese Vidal, 17, referred himself to the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) programme last year and said: “If it wasn’t for the CIRV programme, I would probably still be roaming the streets with the wrong people.
"CIRV has helped me get back into education, which has also led to me having an opportunity to be a snow instructor.”
Sergeant Dal Bal, West Midlands Police, says: “Our collaborative response to county lines and gangs is having a positive impact on hard to reach individuals who can start to believe in hope.
"The key message from CIRV is that you are not alone and it’s never too late to ask for help.”