Youths at the sharp end of anti-knife campaign

THE devastating effects of knife crime have been explored by teenagers in Hathershaw and Fitton Hill.

A hard-hitting project, set up by Oldham’s Challenge and Support Team and Positive Steps has seen youths exploring the consequences of carrying a blade and the trouble it can cause.

The group have studied the law surrounding carrying a weapon and looked at case studies and pictures of real life injuries as well as exploring the role of the media.

When they looked at the issues surrounding knife crime, the group was asked to design a poster to raise awareness among their peers under the headline Live by the Knife.

The teenagers designed a story board and decided on their campaign’s key messages before working with a designer to create their poster which will be circulated to youth clubs across Oldham.

Chief Insp Sarah Jones, from Oldham Police, said: “This is a very important and worthwhile campaign which will educate our young people about reporting knife crime and the risks associated with carrying weapons. The involvement of young people from the outset will ensure the message has more impact. Through this campaign we hope the young people of Oldham will help us spread this message about the consequences of violent crime.”