Worcester’s former Mayor, Cllr Mel Allcott is continuing in her promotion of the theme ‘Youth Matters’, a cause which she championed during her mayoralty. This Summer, Mel donated to the Youth Engagement Partnership and has been able to spend some time with its director, Peter Martin on site at Redditch Self Defence.
One of the things that stood out for the Lib Dem councillor was a course entitled “Jab don’t Stab”. These free classes are offered to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people at risk of offending. It is given to young people who are referred to it because they will fit a strict criteria and is performed in a non-contact gym setting.
Cllr Allcott said Mr Martin was a real inspiration with all the youth safety work he does and was not surprised he had received the West Mercia High Sheriff Award, the BBC Make a Difference Trophy. He has also won the Community Hero Business award, has received two Quality Policing Awards as well as the Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister.
The money will be used to provide education to young people on the dangers of knife crime within the county. The education will include the consequences of being involved with knife crime and the impact on communities. Sessions will also reassure young people that Worcestershire is a safe place.
Cllr Allcott is also using the opportunity to raise awareness of the Bleed Kit Campaign that Mr Martin is running. Bleed kits provide vital aid in preventing severe blood loss from traumatic injuries such as stabbings, accidents and falls.
Once purchased and sited, their location is stored in a national database and accessed by 999 operators. If anyone is involved in an emergency and call 999 and a Bleed Kit is nearby they will direct you as appropriate.
These inexpensive kits are endorsed by West Midlands Ambulance Service and allow bystanders to control severe blood loss before an ambulance arrives.
You can find details about the campaign by going to https://redditchselfdefence.co.uk/bleed-kit-campaign/
