Students at Stockland Green School will voice their concerns about knife crime over the airwaves – after creating powerful radio adverts in a pioneering project with West Midlands Police.
The students the Erdington’s Stockland Green School, which is part of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), took part in a knife crime workshop during which they heard from Bauer Media, the police, ex-gang members and Nikita Kanda, who lost her brother to knife crime.
They also watched a new knife crime video produced by Bauer Media earlier that week.
At the end of the workshop, students were asked to create a 40-second audio advert that helps young people understand the dangers of carrying a knife and the importance of reporting this to a trusted adult.
Chief Inspector John Askew, from Operation Fearless, which has funded the project, said: “Knife crime is a serious issue and it’s important that families have open conversations with their children about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.
“We’ve worked hard in the Erdington area to ensure the High Street remains a safe place to work, shop and visit. As part of our legacy project, we wanted to create a campaign with a lasting impact – one that delivers a strong and meaningful message to the community.
“We’re incredibly pleased with the result and excited to hear the advert broadcast across major radio stations. Our hope is that the message resonates beyond Erdington, reaching other schools and young people, raising awareness of the real dangers of knife crime.”
Martin Cross, Assistant Headteacher for Culture and Ethos at Stockland Green School, said: “Our students were truly captivated by the workshops they participated in. Sessions of this nature provide hugely important real-life lessons for our young people as we provide them with the knowledge they need to become well-rounded individuals.
“Stockland Green and other schools across the ATLP enjoy a fantastic relationship with West Midlands Police, whose staff regularly visit our schools to support students in their development. Thank you to the force and Bauer Media for enabling such an important session.”
Emma Russell, from Bauer Media, said: “At Bauer Media, we believe in the power of audio to tell stories that matter – and few stories are more important than those that help save lives. Collaborating with the pupils from Stockland Green School was truly inspiring.
“Their creativity, honesty and courage have shaped impactful audio messages that we are proud to broadcast across our network. We hope these adverts not only raise awareness but also empower other young people to speak up and choose a safer path.”
Listen out for the adverts being played out across Bauer’s digital radio stations this week. Stations include Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Magic, Absolute Radio, Hits Radio and Kerrang. You can also listen all this week via the Rayo app or by asking your digital speakers to play your favourite Bauer Media station.