Our philosophy in NEXUS is to connect the community for a safer Enfield. As a borough with one of the highest rates of serious youth violence, we hugely appreciate the work The Safety Box carry out. The Safety Box has been delivering the Aspire Higher programme and Peace Weeks which are violence reduction personal development programs designed to change behaviour and negative mindsets. The skills young people develop in these programmes include leadership, communication, team working, presentation, high-risk conflict resolution, violence reduction, personal development and problem-solving. We are happy to say this year approximately 600 children (60% girls) from 5 secondary schools in Enfield, including the Orchardside Pupil Referral Unit, have engaged with this project.

Significantly, The Safety Box teaches young people how to avoid gang exploitation and why carrying a knife puts you at greater risk of knife crime. These critical lessons are delivered in an engaging and impactful way. The Safety Box Founder Nathaniel Peat has also attended our HEARD events which consist of an expert panel that advise parents in Enfield for free.

Our feedback has been highly positive. When attendees were asked how they would rate the event, across all 4 events, 97.94% gave it good and above. No attendees said the event was poor. Nathaniel provided the expert advice needed for parents to keep their young people safe and raised their awareness.

Above all, The Safety Box addresses a critical issue, not only in our borough, but across the UK where youth crime has risen. We thoroughly recommend The Safety Box and their work, and are excited to continue partnering with them.

Mervin Cato

Head of the Behaviour Support Service

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January 24, 2022

The Safety Box CIC

Testimonial from Sergeant Luke Mitchell

January 24, 2022

The Safety Box CIC

To Whom it may concern,

In 2017 we were seeing an increase in knife crime, county lines, CSE and drug related crimes involving young people. To combat these problems funding was sought for two PCSO’s to work within schools. We also obtained funding from local businesses to help support training within school settings.

Knowing the police alone wouldn’t be able to combat the problem, we went out to a number of charities and organisations who have reformed offenders who could give lived experiences to young people. We were met by Nathaniel Peat, the founder of The Safety Box, and we were instantly blown away by his story, and the team’s passion and drive in this area. The Safety Box was able to build and tailor a bespoke product for us to suit our schooling community, these were labelled as either “Peace Days” or “Peace Weeks”. This saw whole year groups being given 1 hour classroom based training in groups of 30, these were impactive, hard hitting and thought provoking sessions. Whilst within these schools The Safety Box also upskilled teachers and school staff on local trends, early warning signs and what to do. These sessions helped teachers and staff members to develop the ability and confidence needed to both address and identify the early signs of vulnerability and risk for girls and boys. This helped to foster a positive and safe learning environment for all students where their overall well-being can flourish. They also put together evenings where parents and statutory youth support personnel could attend and learn more on the subjects of knife crime, county lines and CSE.

We have been really impressed with The Safety Box team, they have lived experiences, are full of energy and ensure every child gets something out of the sessions. Not only are we happy, we have got 100% feedback from the young people, teachers, professionals and parents.

When we have seen a particular issue in a year group or class, again The Safety Box has been able to come into the school quickly and work with the police to negate risk and upskill young people, this allows them to have a better understanding and make better decisions themselves.

We continue to work with The Safety Box and would be happy to recommend them, likewise happy to be spoken to in more detail to go over outcomes, numbers etc.”

Yours Sincerely

Luke Mitchell PS 1162

Community Safety Unit - Sergeant

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