Cheshire College – South & West is stepping up its work to tackle youth violence, partnering with the Youth Service to bring a new prevention programme to Chester Campus following the success of a pilot project in Ellesmere Port.
The programme will expand across the region and aims to educate and empower students on knife crime, exploitation, substance misuse, bullying, gang culture and peer pressure.
While the full initiative is due to launch in the coming months, the first step has already been taken. Staff at Chester Campus are now fully prepared to respond to medical emergencies thanks to the donation and update of the College’s Bleed Kits by the Youth Service team. Alongside this, staff will also take part in an additional one-hour training session delivered by KnifeSavers, designed to build confidence and understanding in how to use the kits effectively in an emergency situation.
Once fully underway, students will benefit from anti-knife crime presentations delivered by the JJ Effect, StreetDoctors first aid training, and on-campus support sessions offering practical guidance and strategies to help young people make safer choices.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College, said:
“This programme is a crucial part of our commitment to student safety, wellbeing, and personal development. By equipping students with knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to reflect on real-life situations, we are empowering them to make safer choices and positively influence their communities.”
Joanne Stewart, Participation and Learning Resources Manager at Cheshire College, added:
“It was fantastic to welcome Leanne and Katrina to Chester Campus and see the Bleed Kits updated and ready for use. Their donation is a huge help for our staff, and it’s exciting to think of this as just the first step in a programme that will give students practical, life-saving skills while raising awareness about knife crime and safety.”
Cheshire College remains committed to providing students with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they need to thrive safely both on and off campus. The youth violence prevention project represents a significant step in the College’s broader strategy to promote student wellbeing and community engagement.
For more information about Cheshire College and upcoming initiatives, visit www.ccsw.ac.uk.