‘Blunt Truth’ is a groundbreaking hour-long initiative, which aims to educate young people on the possible consequences of carrying a knife, what to do if a friend or family member is stabbed and encourages them to report what they know to their school, police or anonymously via Fearless.org.
To date, the North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership with key partners, have reached over 700 North Somerset school students.
This initative started in Bristol and following its success has been adopted for delivery in North Somerset from September 2023. With thanks to part-funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and support from partners: Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue, North Somerset Council and medics/surgeons from The British Army.
The workshop includes:
- A thought-provoking film highlighting the different outcomes of either reporting someone they know to be carrying a knife or the potential tragic consequences if they don’t.
- The police provide guidance and open a discussion with the students.
- The British Army provide first aid training for victims of knife wounds to the students, covering different types of stab wounds and some of the signs to look out for if a person has been stabbed.
Earlier this month, BBC Points West attended a Blunt Truth workshop to provide viewers with an insight into one of the preventative initiatives being implemented by the North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.
Nearly 150 Year Nine students from Winterstoke Hundred Academy received a Blunt Truth session. The school workshop write up on their website featured two quotes.
Year 9 student: “When you hear about knife crime it can be very worrying, but because there are so many different organisations that will support you and help you, it is not as scary, and they will always be there to help you if you need to speak to anyone.”
Teacher of PSHE & Business and organiser of the event, said: “We are grateful to our colleagues in the police, fire service, council and army for giving up their time to support our young people in developing their understanding of the detrimental effects of knife crime and to teach them vital first aid skills in order to support us to keep our community safe.
Earlier this month, BBC Points West attended a Blunt Truth workshop to not only enable local residents who watch the show to understand this initative but also give an example of the preventative work being delivered through the North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership.