Fearless.org launches new campaign urging young people to speak up anonymously
A new campaign launched by independent charity Crimestoppers aims to encourage young people in Seaford and surrounding areas to report knife crime 100% anonymously.
This Fearless.org campaign will be active across various social media platforms until the end of December and will be raising awareness amongst young people that violence and knife carrying isn't a way to keep themselves safe. The campaign will also be promoting the Fearless service as a totally safe and untraceable way to speak up about weapon crime.
Additionally, 'Train the Trainer' sessions will be delivered by Fearless.org alongside the provision of resource packs which will be distributed across the target areas to support teachers and other professionals working directly with young people. It is hoped this activity will help further promote the Fearless.org message and break down barriers for young people who need to speak up, whether that be to a trusted adult or a service such as Fearless.
As a charity independent of the police, Fearless.org is a safe, alternative way for young people to report information on those carrying out crime. Crime involving weapons causes misery to thousands of victims and their families in the UK every year. You can help keep your community safe by speaking up to our charity 100% anonymously - either online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 at any time.
Annabelle Goodenough, South Central East Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said:"Our aim is to both educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife, or any other weapon, as well as encourage a young person who does know who regularly carries a weapon to speak up about crime without fear of retribution. We want to dispel myths around carrying knives and highlight the serious consequences involved.
We also urge adults in Sussex who have concerns or knowledge about someone carrying a knife or other weapon to report what they know 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers. Our commitment to safeguarding the identity of those who contact us remains unwavering."
She added: "We are proud of our independent status and our ability to pass on vital information securely and anonymously. Whether you're a young person or an adult, your report can make a real difference in keeping communities safe."
For more information or to report concerns anonymously, visit Fearless.org, call 0800 555 111, or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Neighbourhood Youth Officer, PC Ruth Parnell-Mace, Sussex Police commented:
"On 10 September, Joshua Ingram, a 16-year-old student from the local community, died after being stabbed at Seaford Railway Station. This tragic incident has affected not only Josh's family and friends, but also the wider community.
In the immediate aftermath, the community came together to support the large number of young people affected. From my work in schools in the area, I know all too well the reluctance young people have when reporting concerns to police due to fear of reprisals or being seen as a 'snitch'. By working with Fearless.org we hope that young people will feel more able and confident to tell someone what they know.
Knife crime affects the whole community, and we need the whole community to help prevent it. I urge everyone who has information about anyone carrying weapons to report this to police or anonymously to Fearless.org."
Deputy Leader of Lewes District Council and Chair of the local Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Christine Robinson, said:
"The Lewes and Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership are pleased to be able to fund this initiative, which will see a specialist Fearless Worker spend a day in each of the three secondary schools located on the coast (Seaford Head, Seahaven Academy and Peacehaven Community School) where they will provide a range of talks, assemblies and workshops. In addition, schools and youth workers across the District, are supporting this awareness campaign by taking part in "Train the Trainer" sessions so they can continue to spread the message moving forward.
This work is a valuable addition to the prevention activities already being co-ordinated by Sussex Police, council and voluntary youth services, targeted at avoiding a re-occurrence of the recent tragedy, which we know has had such a devastating effect on the family and friends of Josh Ingrham."
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