Event launches new anti-knife crime initiative

HOSPITAL SURGEON DESCRIBES 'BATTLE FOR YOUNGSTERS' HEARTS AND MINDS'

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter [e-mail] @LDRArnold

A HOSPITAL surgeon has described the continued battle for youngsters' hearts and minds at the launch of a new anti-knife crime initiative.

Vascular surgeon Barney Green, who works at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, is one of a number of volunteers who give up their own time to deliver educational workshops as part of a programme across the North East.

Mr Green was present at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium for the launch of an action plan developed by the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), a local partnership funded by the Home Office.

He said: “We often talk about the NHS being heroes, for me the hero is a child who says ‘I’m not going to do that, I’m not going to carry a knife, I'm actually going to do something positive! This is genuinely what is going to change society.”

The plan, supported by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey, sets out how local partners will work together in educating and engaging young people early in order to offer positive alternatives to violence and help them avoid involvement in knife crime.

Mr Green carried out mock life-saving first aid on the Riverside pitch using fake blood and other paraphernalia.

A football-themed inflatable knife crime education wall, developed by the MFC Foundation in partnership with the surgeon, was on display.