An award-winning education provider will work with Cleveland’s adults, children and young people in a bid to stop at-risk youngsters getting involved in serious and violent crime.
Gamechanger provides blended learning programmes and experiential learning through cutting-edge digital technology. That includes virtual reality, and drama-based workshops.
They inform children, teenagers, teachers, parents and professionals about the dangers of child criminal exploitation (CCE,) organised crime gangs and county lines.
Funded by a £10,000 grant from The Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), Gamechanger will deliver its innovative, interactive Impact programme at schools across Stockton-on-Tees in April.
The programme aims to raise awareness of the issues and empower young people to make informed choices. It also aims to change behaviours, so young people don’t fall into the trap of becoming involved in serious and violent crime.
Gritty, live drama
Young people will watch a gritty, live drama. It digs deep into the lives of three characters involved in CCE and County Lines.
Participants will have the chance to ask the characters questions based on a workshop immediately after the show.
A dynamic group activity will follow. It aims to build the essential life skills needed for collaboration and resilience.
Steve Turner, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This is another tool for us to use to combat serious and violent crime as well as drugs in some of Cleveland’s worst hit areas.
“Most importantly, it’s a way of reaching young people in a way, which they can relate to. It will also prevent them from becoming victims of organised crime gangs and being drawn into a life of drugs and crime.”
Greg Brookes-Clayton, Gamechanger’s Operations Director, said: “We were delighted to receive funding to deliver such important educational programmes in the Cleveland area.
“The Gamechanger team is excited to be working with local schools to raise awareness of the huge issue of Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines. We are certain that these sessions will be of great benefit to those involved.
“Having delivered our programmes successfully with proven impact across the UK we look forward to working with CURV and schools across Cleveland to support and protect young people at risk.”
Some of the biggest social challenges
Gamechanger has developed a series of intervention programmes. They aim to address some of the biggest social challenges facing young people in the UK.
Programmes support young people, adults and professionals at different levels according to need.
Gamechanger is part of a clear, hold, build pilot area, which focusses resources on Cleveland’s highest-harm areas.
The partnership, led by Cleveland Police, aims to reduce crime levels and the threat of organised crime in target areas.
Future Gamechanger programmes will include knife crime, violence against women and girls, anti-social behaviour, hate crimes and online safety.