As part of Premier League Kicks, NTFC Community Trust staff have been training groups of young leaders in the role of crime ambassadors to raise awareness around crime and act as role models to educate younger pupils.
Anti-crime messages and education are powerful coming from local young people giving up their time who care about their neighbourhoods and want to make a difference. The idea is to empower the young people to identify and discuss the areas of crime that affect their community and explore how they can raise awareness around them. Using youth voice as a tool to help improve the safety of local communities.
Managed by Northants Community Fund, the training programme is funded by iwill, a campaign that aims to make participation in social action the norm for young people under 20. iwill.org.uk
Staff are trained to deliver educational workshops as part of the ‘Fearless’ programme via Crimestoppers UK; teaching young people how to identify crime and report it anonymously via the Fearless.org website. The training included leadership skills and crime content on knife crime, hate crime, county lines, gangs and peer pressure.
The ambassador training aims for students:
• To increase confidence and self-esteem
• To learn leadership, communication, co-operation, problem-solving and teamwork skills
• To work with different people
• To learn more about yourself
• To plan, organise and lead activities
• To improve knowledge around crime, the law and crime prevention.
• To take ownership over local issues that affect you and try to do something positive
• To enjoy taking on new responsibilities
What is social action?
Youth social action refers to activities that young people can do to make a positive difference to others or the environment. This can be through formal or informal activities. Taking small positive actions to improve your home, school or local community can all make a big difference.
Social action as a crime ambassador
Students choose which areas of crime they are most affected by in their local community and create a presentation to deliver to younger pupils to help raise awareness about the issue. They can decide which format to create the presentation in.
Huxlow Science College
In September 2021, Anna Letts (Premier League Kicks co-ordinator for NTFC Community Trust) trained student leaders from Huxlow Science College as crime ambassadors. This week they visited Irthlingborough Junior School to deliver their workshops with year 6. It was their first time teaching primary pupils on a range of crime topics, staff from both schools were very impressed and proud of them. The year 6 pupils engaged with the workshop content enthusiastically and asked plenty of questions to learn more. Thank you to the ambassadors for all your hard work, you are making a positive impact in your local community.
The Huxlow students were asked what they wanted the younger pupils to learn from their crime workshop delivery.
• That you can help make a change in the community.
• To understand the rules (laws) surrounding criminal damage.
• How to spot and report crimes.
• That they should feel safe.
• To be safe online.
• To learn about cyber crime.
“Thank you to the crime ambassadors from Huxlow for coming to speak to us. They have been teaching us all about crime and what to do to stay safe.” Mrs Long, head of year 6, Irthlingborough Junior School.
“These students were chosen as heads and deputy heads of school houses at Huxlow because they are excellent role models. The leadership training they received will stand them in good stead to be involved in a range of duties and initiatives, with crime ambassadors being the first. They have worked hard to prepare for this visit and have shown confidence and a depth of crime knowledge when working with the year 6s. They are a credit to Huxlow.” Mrs Letts, Behaviour Lead, Huxlow Science College
“I am so proud of these students taking such important messages to our community. Superbly prepared and presented to year 6. Well done all and thank you for your support Irthlingborough Junior.” Paul Letch, headteacher, Huxlow Science College.