Staffordshire Commissioner Matthew Ellis visited Hednesford Valley High School to see a new theatre in education programme from Cannock Chase District Council which addresses extremism and radicalisation.
The Council commissioned Loudmouth Education & Training to create and deliver the interactive programme for students in Year 8 and 9, giving them an increased awareness and understanding of what extremism is and the wider Prevent agenda.
The campaign is being funded by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund, Staffordshire County Council’s Building Resilient Families and Communities Fund, and the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Prevent Targeted Initiative Fund.
As well as the theatre and workshops, resource packs are being distributed to primary and secondary schools giving information about local support services, details about the Prevent agenda and campaign material.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis said: ‘Through the Proceeds of Crime Act, police are able to seize the ill-gotten gains of criminals and use them to make a real difference to our communities.
‘I decided to use the fund to support this important educational resource, which aims to raise young people’s awareness of extremism, as well as the help that is there for them if they have any concerns.’
Acting Head Teacher Liz Hopewell said: ‘The Loudmouth performance was engaging for all of the students who participated in the session. It gave the students a greater understanding of what extremism is and how they could be easily groomed by others through an engaging and thought-provoking drama and workshop.
‘The performance was pitched at the correct level for our students and was a true reflection of the issues young people will come in contact with in the local community and society as a whole.’
Cllr George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase District Council, added: ‘The Council is committed to ensuring people are aware of the signs of extremism and the associated factors as well as making sure people report any concerns they may have about an individual or group.
‘This education programme forms part of the Council’s wider safeguarding campaign, ‘See something, Say something’, which was launched last year and aims to encourage people to report any concerns they may have about an individual or group.’
The Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund sees money and assets confiscated from criminal seizures funding projects to make communities safer, with grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 available.
The next round of funding opened on 1 March and closes on 14 April – find out more and apply here.
Find out more about Cannock Chase District Council’s schools campaign.
