Four secondary schools in Coventry have been taking part in a national No More Knives tour provided by The Message Trust.
The No More Knives tour is an award-winning initiative aimed at tackling knife crime among young people and is making a powerful impact in schools across the UK.
The project has been touring some of the city’s secondary schools this week.
Sessions are run which allow students to listen to first-hand stories from those who have been involved in knife crime. It also combines storytelling with music and education for an impactful session that highlights the devastating impact of knife crime. Each session provides students with the knowledge and confidence they need to say “no” to knives and make positive choices.
The schools taking in the tour include, Blue Coat Church of England, West Coventry Academy, Coundon Court and Sidney Stringer.
Partners involved include the Council, Coventry Police, Hope Coventry – representing local churches and The Message Trust, 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 that affect them.
Cllr Pat Seaman Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Council, said:
“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.
“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.”
Paul Drover, Police Commander, 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 of school’s work, who are passionate about young people knowing their true worth and identity.
Sam Ward, CEO of the Message Trust, 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, 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 in the three schools commending the empowering message and engaging delivery around the emotive, challenging and important subject of knife crime. We are expectant that this years 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 the Council, Hope Coventry and The Message Trust.
Feedback from schools so far:
Lou Peet, Blue Coat School Chaplain, 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.”
“I feel a lot more safer knowing that a lot more kids would agree to not carrying a knife.” - Olivia, Year 7 student.
“I really enjoyed it. The music was exciting and gave a positive spin on a difficult topic.”- Holly, Year 7 Student.
“What a wonderful, inspiring, interactive experience for our students. The buzz around school was heart-warming! The messages were loud and clear and so well received by all students and staff. Thank you so much for this fantastic opportunity.” - Mrs Claire Franklin, Safeguarding Lead