A hard-hitting and thought-provoking presentation left students at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College in no doubt about the dangers of gang culture.
The initiative was spearheaded by Stokesley Rotary Club who decided to do something to raising awareness about the problem with young people and offered to fund a project for Stokesley School.
Sheldon Thomas, founder of Gangsline, a non-profit organisation which support young people involved in gang culture, spoke to students with first-hand experience, having been a gang member from age 11 to 21.
He gave insights into the gang scene to all students from Years 7 to 13, alerting them to grooming and initiation into gangs, the make-up of a gang member, female sexual exploitation and the dangers of drugs.
Sheldon highlighted the many ways gang members attract young people using different mediums and language.
He explained how students can recognise these approaches and, most importantly, how they can protect themselves from them.
Chris Simpson, associate principal at Stokesley School, said: “Sadly, young people are exposed to news about gang culture on a daily basis across a wide range of media.
“Whilst these gangs tend to operate in some cities, it is vitally important that our students are made fully aware of the dangers of gang crime and what it can lead to.”
Sheldon captivated the students’ attention, prompting pertinent question and answer sessions.
At the end of the presentations, students had a greater understanding of building resilience and raising awareness around the dangers of gang culture, appreciating it’s not just the individual involved in a gang that is in danger, it puts the whole family network at risk.
PC Sam Geraghty added: “This initiative is about education and prevention and we are keen to support anything that educates about the dangers of gang culture.
“Although currently we do not have some of the issues we see happening round our major cities, I believe we need to proactively prevent.
“I think it is brilliant that the Rotary are supporting our young people and the school are actively trying to protect their students from the negative outside influences they face.”
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