Bristol kids see sharp end of knife crime

School children learned about the dangers of becoming involved in crime from someone who knows about it first hand – a teenage killer.

The young offender, who did not want to be identified, visited Bedminster Down School as part of a special day of activities.

He is currently serving time for manslaughter, and gave the children, aged 12 to 13, a rare perspective on life behind bars.

About 200 Year 8 pupils were taking part in Play Your Part, a day of talks, advice and discussion on a range of issues.

Avon and Somerset police, Avon Fire & Rescue, the Red Cross, Ashfield Young Offenders Institute and Network Rail were among the organisations that attended.

Fire officers explained the dangers and consequences of arson and playing with fire, using hard-hitting film and photographs to illustrate their message.

The dangers of making hoax calls was also explained, and the Red Cross taught basic first aid skills and how to help in a crisis.

Parents R Us, a charity formed by Bristol mums, spoke about drug addiction and the impact it can have on families.

The police held sessions on knife-crime awareness, explaining the impact of having a criminal record and how crime can be reported to Crimestoppers.

PC Karen Macdonald gave one of the talks but said it was not simply about shock tactics.

She said: "Essentially it is about getting young people to see how they can play their part in the community, and make it a safer place to live.

"We aim at this age group because statistics show if we can keep them out of trouble by the age of 13 or 14 they will have a much better chance of staying out of trouble.

"They are old enough to make up their own minds but not so much under the influence of peer pressure yet.

"We're talking about low-level offending, anti social behaviour. It isn't about scaring them but, instead, getting them to think laterally about consequences, not just what happens in the moment.

"For example, I told them about how using cannabis might stop them travelling abroad in the future."

Phil Bailey, associate head teacher at Bedminster Down School, said: "We bring in a whole range of support services to inform our children, about some key issues, about being an effective and good citizens.

"We had prison officers talking to children about what prison is like, and young offenders talking about the impact their crime has had on family and friends.

"It gives insight from professionals, victims and offenders, about what it's like in the real world.

"Across Bristol these are issues they may well come across in their outside lives.

"Being aware of the risks can only bring a positive effect on young people."

This is the third year Play Your Part has been held in local secondary schools, and it is supported by the Safer Bristol Partnership.

Brian McCutcheon, chair of Safer Bristol, said: "The Play Your Part activity is really important.

"This allows us to enter into a dialogue with them, highlighting the importance of their role so they can enjoy the benefits of safer communities in the future."