Walsall workshops on how to tackle street violence
Workshops are being held to arm workers on our streets with the tools they need to deal with violence.
The courses provide emergency first aid for victims of gunshots and stabbings – and advice on how to prevent violent conflict between individuals and gangs.
Police Community Support Officers in the Black Country are being given the training, along with workers who deal with issues involving mental health and drugs or with families in need.
The courses are being paid for through money seized from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Midlands-based Project Initiative CIC launched the first Street Aid course in Walsall.
It has been awarded £20,000 from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Active Citizens Fund, which go to community groups who are helping to reduce crime and increase safety.
Across the three-day course, delegates gain their an emergency first aid qualification as well as learning improvised street first aid.
Skills covered include dealing with gunshot and knife wounds and how people can use what is on hand or near them to help save lives in the absence of a first aid kit or emergency services.
Those taking part are also given advice on how to deal with a situation where a conflict is ongoing between gangs or individuals.
Rachael Hemus, of Early Help Services in Walsall, which helps families in crisis, attended the course.
She said: “I wanted to strengthen my knowledge about knife crime and how to help prevent it with the young people I look after.”
Project leader Alexandra Perry said: “We are thrilled with the response Street Aid has received so far.
"All the delegates responded positively to these sessions and feel they will have a positive impact on their lives going forward, and we will continue to deliver vital, contemporary training to meet the needs of young people.”
