As I am sure you are aware, there has been a rise nationally and locally in youth violence and specifically violence linked to knife crime. 

Severn Vale School are working closely with our colleagues from many agencies including Gloucestershire Police and Children’s Services to tackle these issues in both our school and local communities. 

This week we were very honoured to have been asked to host a brand-new hard-hitting theatre production titled ‘Breaking the Chain’ that aims to raise awareness, kick-start conversations and build resilience around youth violence - with a real focus on knife crime.  

The drama presentation has been provided to us by AlterEgo Creative Solutions, who have in the past produced nationally acclaimed drama pieces such as Chelsea’s Choice. 

Breaking the Chain aims to; 

• Break the chain by reassuring young people that knife carrying is not actually common and that they do not need to carry knives to protect themselves from other knife carriers. 

• Raise awareness around the risks and consequences of youth violence and knife crime on the individual and on their friends, families and on the wider community, 

• Build resilience by raising awareness, creating a common language and kick-starting conversations around the influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to hurt someone or to carry a knife and how these can be managed or avoided. 

• Build resilience by raising awareness of and promoting the core skills (including but not limited to: self-confidence, self-esteem, risk assessment, emotional intelligence, empathy, decision making, recognising healthy relationships) that can be used help young people to navigate a whole host of issues, critical moments and adverse childhood experiences that they may encounter 

• Raise awareness around the importance of seeking help and advice or telling someone if they are concerned about themselves, a friend or someone they know. 

• Sign-post who young people can speak to if they have concerns

This production was shown to students in both year 7 and Year 10. We would like to praise both year groups for their excellent attitude and engagement in viewing these performances and we hope that in offering such interactive educational experiences, we can raise awareness and prevent future incidents linked to knife crime occurring, both in school and out in our wider community.