No More Knives tour visits Fulwood high school

As part of the No More Knives tour, The Message Trust and performers Solbox were welcomed to Archbishop Temple Church of England High School on Thursday, November 18.

In partnership with Lancashire Police and local churches, the No More Knives tour is being delivered to schools across Lancashire.

Its aim is to encourage and empower young people to say no to knife crime.

The Message Trust is a UK based Christian charity that works with young people all across world.

The session began with a lively performance by Soulbox, from Manchester, who perform soul, rap and beatbox.

If the video of the performance below doesn’t play, view on YouTube.

Pupils were asked if they had seen the Knife Angel, a 27 foot tall sculpture made from 100,000 blunted seized knives and blades, which currently stands outside Blackburn Cathedral and brings with it a month long crime awareness and education programme.

Pupils then watched a video about the consequences of knife crime, followed by a discussion on good and bad influences.

The presenters encouraged pupils to think about how they can make positive choices. Sammy from Soulbox talked about how as a Christian her faith and the Bible guides her to make good choices.

Pupils learned about knife crime facts, opening a discussion on knife crime and its devastating effects.

After watching a powerful video and learning about the law regarding knives pupils were reminded that the session was to inform, equip and empower them to make good choices and choose life rather than the knife.

The session ended with an upbeat performance from Soulbox and a reminder that if pupils wish to talk to someone about any of the content in the show, they should speak to a trusted adult in school or their parent/carer.

Headteacher Mr Catlow said: “We are extremely grateful to Blackburn Diocese for taking the initiative and supporting this tour which brings such an important local and national message to our young people.

“I would recommend visiting Blackburn Cathedral to have a look at the Knife Angel sculpture.”

The No More Knives tour presentation was delivered to all pupils in school. The tour will end with a gig for young people at Blackburn Cathedral, on November 26 where Soulbox will be performing.