#GETHELP

Graham Cooper

Youth Development Manager

"Over the last five years I have seen a rise in carrying of knives by young people who are perpetrators of crime and those who are afraid to become a victim of knife crime. This paradox is fuelling  a rise in fear and also creating an atmosphere of  “strike before you are hit” amongst many young people. I have witness the death of three young people over the last four years due to knife crime and its impacts.

This conversation needs to happen now whilst we still can influence young people before its too late. Although “real and raw” #GETHELP starts to unravel and show the impacts of such decisions on not just the victim but also the perpetrator and their families. Its hard hitting and also allows students to examine various aspects of the play via its unique workshops that have guest speakers from all walks of life including those who have lost loved ones and ex-offenders who tell the realities of prison life and its consequences on mental health as well as physical health

This project is about deterring anyone from venturing down a pathway of criminality  and also raising awareness of the various agencies who can intervene when such issues arise."