'Growing Against Violence' Workshops
St Mary’s continues its effective work in supporting our students counter youth violence. Welcoming ‘Growing Against Violence’ into school to deliver their workshop to students across KS3 to explore themes around Youth Violence both locally and nationally is just part of our ongoing work around this important issue. The workshop was delivered by a group of professionals across a number of fields from the organisation ‘Growing Against Violence’; each delivering their own unique insight and experience of youth violence.
The programme explored several themes to prevent youth violence and protect young people against exploitation by gangs and grooming, both online and face-to-face. The workshop provided students with the necessary tools and information to keep them self-safe but also to help them recognise any signs of concern related to youth violence.
The workshop challenged wrongful preconceptions around gang culture and myths that may glamorize the topic. The workshop helped show a balanced age-appropriate insight to the realities of that particular life and culture.
Some of the specific topic areas discussed included:
- County lines
- Why children join gangs
- Hierarchy in gangs
- Seeking help and support
- Recognising signs of coercion and control.
One student reported: “The workshop was brilliant. In and around our school we feel really safe but we’re not in school all the time. They gave us strategies to deal with problems we might face and the confidence to recognise when we might be in danger.” Another stated: “Pupils in all schools should hear this message about keeping safe from violence, gangs and drugs.”
