Students tell others to ditch the knife through new audio adverts

As part of the Operation Fearless legacy work, The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) is pleased to announce a collaboration with West Midlands Police.

Last week, students from Erdington’s Stockland Green School – part of the respected ATLP – took part in a knife crime workshop during which they heard from Bauer Media, the police, ex-gang members and Nikita Kanda, who lost her brother to knife crime. They also watched a new knife crime video produced by Bauer Media earlier that week.

At the end of the workshop, students were asked to create a 40-second audio advert that helps young people understand the dangers of carrying a knife and the importance of reporting this to a trusted adult.

Chief Inspector John Askew, from Operation Fearless, which has funded this campaign, said: “Knife crime is a serious issue and it’s important that families have open conversations with their children about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife.

“We’ve worked hard in the Erdington area to ensure the High Street remains a safe place to work, shop and visit. As part of our legacy project, we wanted to create a campaign with a lasting impact – one that delivers a strong and meaningful message to the community.

“We’re incredibly pleased with the result and excited to hear the advert broadcast across major radio stations. Our hope is that the message resonates beyond Erdington, reaching other schools and young people, raising awareness of the real dangers of knife crime.”

“Stockland Green and other schools across the ATLP enjoy a fantastic relationship with West Midlands Police, whose staff regularly visit our schools to support students in their development. Thank you to the force and Bauer Media for enabling such an important session.”

Emma Russell, from Bauer Media, said: “At Bauer Media, we believe in the power of audio to tell stories that matter – and few stories are more important than those that help save lives. Collaborating with the pupils from Stockland Green School was truly inspiring.

Listen out for the adverts being played out across Bauer’s digital radio stations this week. Stations include Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Magic, Absolute Radio, Hits Radio and Kerrang. You can also listen all this week via the Rayo app or by asking your digital speakers to play your favourite Bauer Media station.

Main picture: PC Luke Connolly, the School Liaison Officer, joined film crews from Bauer Media to work with students.