An event for young citizens in Northampton focusing on knife crime and gangs

Nearly 700 children aged 10-11 took part in the event

West Northamptonshire Council The interior of the theater, showing a person in a yellow shirt and dark trousers walking on the stage near a small lectern, and an image projected from the back of the stage. There are red curtains and boxes on both sides with a wavy pattern on the walls. The children sit in theater seats with a wooden shelf in front of them. At the front of the seating area stand two policemen in yellow reflectors. — Nearly 700 children aged 10-11 took part in the event

This hugely important event, organized by almost 700 sixth-grade students, touched on topics such as knife crime, gangs and online safety.

The Young Citizen’s Scheme ran for two days in Northampton.

The program included a play prepared by students from Rushden about internet safety.

Insp Ch Kim Jackson said the event would “really make a difference in creating a safer and more inclusive community”.

The project, which took place at the Deco Theater in Northampton, also covered fire and water safety, anti-social behavior, rail safety and substance misuse.

During lunch, Year 11 students from Rushden Academy performed a play called ‘Add Me’ which focused on the importance of staying safe online.

There were also hate crime workshops organized by West Northamptonshire Youth Partnership which focused on discrimination and were inspired by their social media takeover day in August.

The event took place at the Deco Theater in the Old Savoy, Northampton

Ollie Conopo/BBC Red frontage to theater building with six tall windows. Posters advertising events are visible on both sides. The legend above the door says "The Old Savoy – home of the Deco Theatre". There is a black balustrade and traffic lights in front of the theater. — The event took place at the Deco Theater in the Old Savoy, Northampton

David Smith, cabinet member for communities at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “The partnership and commitment of everyone involved has created an experience that will have a lasting impact on these young students.”

Insp Kim Jackson, from Northamptonshire Police, said the Youth Forum’s awareness-raising efforts are making a real difference in creating a safer and more inclusive community.