Today, The Safety Box ® CIC were joined by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Tottenham MP RT.Honourable David Lammy, Lib Peck, Director of the London Violence Reduction Unit, Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney and other VIPs from the local authority and UK Parliament to attend the Aspire Higher programme. This programme took place at Park View School in Tottenham. The session was run for KS4 students, included topics on self-esteem, tackling grooming and knife crime, setting goals and affirmations. It also included various role play sessions, along with a group discussion run by company founder Nathaniel Peat, lead facilitator Paula Perry and violence interrupter Leon McKenzie. The programme was held in the morning, and shared inspirational knowledge by the team, ending with an encouraging musical rendition from Lurine Cato MBE.
Sadiq Khan was able to sit in on the event and talk to the students, discussing how the Aspire Higher programme has assisted them mentally and emotionally. Many students mentioned how being involved in programs such as this helped to raise their self-esteem, and give them the push they need to achieve their goals in life. Sadiq Khan, David Lammy, and Lib Peck also joined in on the conversation, discussing how they embraced being female leaders and leaders of colour in their environment. Imposter syndrome and negative self-talk was a topic of discussion, highlighted by both the students and the government members as an issue, and they discussed as a group strategies to combat the negative thoughts. Sadiq Khan highlighted how “being a leader means choosing your own destiny,” which resonated with the students greatly.
The role plays surrounding knife crime and grooming were cited as some of the major highlights of the program, showing not only the signs of being in those situations but strategies to overcome them with confidence and courage. The youth were engaged and involved, and enjoyed the session, asking questions throughout and sharing their thoughts.
With the assistance of organisations such as The Safety Box ® CIC, it is proven that violence has reduced in London since before the pandemic, and continues to be reduced further. However, whilst there has been a decline in overall homicides, the number of teenage homicides in London has increased. The Mayor is determined to drive down violence and is investing in and supporting London’s VRU in leading an approach that is focused on preventing violence happening in the first place. Part of this approach is the launch of the VRU Stronger Futures programme, which was launched today.
The VRU has invested £1.3 million in 17 targeted projects that are working with young people after school and at weekends, to improve educational outcomes and reduce school exclusions, as well as to improve employability prospects and mental health and wellbeing.
Mixing humor, youth relatability, vulnerable stories and powerful, encouraging moments, the programme showed an example of how knife crime prevention programmes can be fun, honest, and educational, and how youth safety should be a priority of us all.
