About the Project with Christina Gabbitas
Award Winning Author and Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council Christina Gabbitas was approached by the Police and Crime Commissioners Office of Humberside to work in partnership – to produce an educational resource that could help to educate young children and teenagers, on the topic of knife crime.Christina was commissioned to produce an online digital story resource and ran an initiative to help children publish their thoughts through writing and illustrative work. Christina has already produced a successful resource Share Some Secrets for primary age children that encourages children to speak out. This was endorsed by NSPCC, Barnardo’s, teachers, professors to name a few. Visit www.sharesomesecrets.com for more information. The book is helping the NSPCC to raise funds and awareness, here is a direct link to the charity.
In 2018 Humberside PCC secured funding via the Home Office. The Project is Humberside Early Intervention programme (HEIP)
There are several packages combined to deliver both universal and targeted intervention, aimed at reducing violence/ASB and knife crime.
HEIP Aims:
- Prevent young people from getting involved in violent lifestyles.
- Support those who want to find a way out by intervening earlier.
- Lead and contribute to cross-sector partnerships
Projects: No more knives, delivery of a nationally accredited programme in all secondary schools, colleges and alternative provision facilities to tackle knife crime and violence across Humberside. Raising awareness and supporting practitioners. The spoken and written word project that Christina Gabbitas is developing connects to this. Humberside Police and Crime Commissioners Office has also worked with Hull Beats Bus to produce a song and music video to engage young people within the community in making choices in relation to this agenda.
No More Knives story is in the People’s Book Prize
Meet the characters
Siobhan is 15 years old who lives with her mum and stepdad. Siobhan struggles to make friends and ‘fit in’ with groups at school.
Ellie aged 15 is from a large family with two sisters and three brothers, all living with their mum. Their father unfortunately passed away when she was 10 years old.
Luke is 10 years old and thinks that hanging out with the older guys is cool, he wants to be like them. Luke has two sisters and lives with both his parents.
Jamie is 14 years old and is struggling at school academically. He is also struggling with his relationship with his parents, and doesn’t think anybody understands how he is feeling.
Mo is 16 years old, an only child whose parents separated when he was a young child. Mo performed well academically at school with top grades. His father is a lawyer.
No More Knives Book
Christina was approached by the Police & Crime Commissioners Office Humberside to help educate children aged 10-16 on the dangers of getting involved with county lines and carrying knives.
The story is about a groups of friends who are groomed and lured into delivering packages to various areas, using rail and taxis and their own dedicated phone lines; Jamie regrets picking up a knife for protection.
Due to Covid 19 we had to postpone various events at WHSmith stores and venues. We will announce new dates soon for Sheffield Meadowhall, Manchester Trafford Centre, Doncaster Frenchgate and more..
About The Project
Christina invited children aged 10-16 to write either Poetry, Rap, Story or illustration that best describes the topic of knife crime, gangs and county lines. Here is the winning entry from Luna Akther age 11 from Scunthorpe.
Click the poem to enlarge
,,,,,….The Invitation
An invitation to capture words with poetry and illustration,
We want to showcase your talent with the nation.
Pen your poem, RAP, story or share your designs,
About knife crime, drugs and county lines.
Help us to raise awareness to help others,
Get the message out to help protect your sisters and brothers.
An opportunity to record you work with the beats bus crew,
And share with many to show what you can do.
#NoMoreKnives is our mission statement,
Help us with our community engagement.
The Collaborators & Supporters
Christina collaborated with Mo Timbo – ex gang crime member and victim, Kirsty Tock & Richard Whelan – Humberside Police, Beats Bus, Tommy Coyle’s and his Box Clever Bus & all the team at the Office of Police and Crime Commissioners Humberside
Beats Bus Project:
Christina met The Hull Beats Bus project founder Steve Arnott and right hand man David Okweisia to learn all about their project. This amazing initiative has been designed to encourage the city’s next generation to speak out about their hopes and aspirations through music. Two very inspirational individuals who are making such a positive difference to the community.
Mo Timbo
Pictured here with Mo Timbo. Christina spent some time chatting with Mo to help with her research into what steers young children down the wrong path. Mo was involved in county lines, gangs and knife crime. Mo has turned his life around and now helps others, visiting many schools and youth groups, highlighting the dangers, and advising them on a better route to take.
Humberbeat
Richard Whelan, Inspector Kirsty Tock and Sergeant Paul Burnett
Inspector Kirsty Tock put together a plan to deliver workshops within schools, delivered and ornganised by PCSO Richard Whelan and Sergeant Paul Burnett. Richard organises visits with Mo Timbo and Kayleigh Pepper.
Office of Police & Crime Commissioners
Rachael Cook CEO – Humberside Police & Crime Commissioners Office Christina will visited schools and PRU’s with PCSO Richard Whelan and Sergeant Paul Burnett with occassional visits including Mo Timbo. She will also joined the Tommy Coyle Box Clever Bus Team on various occassions.
Speaking at Havelock School
Mo Timbo- Ex Gang Member
Kayleigh Pepper – RICH Foundation
Richar Whelan – Humberside Police
No More Knives Team
No More Knives Team & Teachers
Reviews
The No More Knives story by Christina Gabbitas accurately portrays the dangers of exploitation facing young people today. The Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit fully endorse this excellent resource for young people to recognise risks and potential consequences as well as signposting to organisations who will help them.
PC Russ Massie
PC Steve Crowshaw
Keith Hunter
What if I’m involved in gun and knife crime?
You can call Childline on 0800 1111 at any time if you’re worried about your own safety. Or if you think someone you know is carrying or even using a gun or knife.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you want to report a crime that has happened. Don’t be afraid to be strong and do the right thing.