Wiser & Wiser: Our STREETWISE theme 'No Knives, Better Lives' is a winner!
Partnering with West Yorkshire Police, our Streetwise theme this term was 'No Knives, Better Lives.' After a few high-profile incidents in the region over the past few years, we wanted to empower our young people to respond to knife culture responsibly.
During our Friday night Streetwise sessions, our young people have been learning the 4 R's of knife crime;
- Reassurance – Hardly anyone carries a knife
- Responsibility – It’s okay to report knife-carrying
- Risks – You are more at risk of harm if you carry a knife
- Resilience – Have the confidence to resist knife carrying in the first place
In October half-term, we hosted another fantastic 'Streetwise Development Day,' sponsored by Xerox 'Dream Makers' Team! 46 young people from across our centres joined together in Manningham for a whole day of football.
We were delighted to have PC Huss kick-off the day with a presentation on knife crime, reinforcing what we have been learning in the weeks prior. A hugely successful day, enjoyed by all.
“We had a great day with One In a Million. All the kids and staff were amazing, and it was clear to see the positivity the day provided. At Xerox, we are doing a ‘Million Makers’ challenge through the Prince's Trust, which is a fundraising challenge that allows us to help disadvantaged young people across the country. This day was perfect for what we are trying to achieve, and the Police-talk regarding knife crime aligns perfectly with what we are trying to achieve. See you all next year!” - Tom Pepper, Xerox
"The partnership between West Yorkshire Police and the One In A Million charity for the Streetwise Football project highlights a proactive approach to community engagement and crime prevention in Bradford.
By participating in streetwise sessions, police officers have the opportunity to engage directly with young people, providing a platform to discuss crucial issues like knife crime and positive choices. This initiative is not only about promoting safety but also about empowering young individuals to make informed choices and understand the role of the police in their community.
Overall, the Streetwise Football project exemplifies how sports can be a powerful tool for positive social change, encouraging dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve". - PC Huss, West Yorkshire Police
After all the half-term excitement, the following weeks saw our young players preparing for the Streetwise Finals, which proved to be another epic tournament.
A huge well done to all of our Streetwise participants this term. We are so #PROUD of your dedication, enthusiasm, and engagement!