A special event was held at Writhlington School last Thursday evening – giving parents and carers the opportunity to learn more about the dangers of knife crime.

Organised by the Bath & North East Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) the aim of the evening was to raise awareness of the key issues surrounding knife crime, empowering families to make informed and positive decisions to keep young people safe.

Invited along to take part was Cllr Gavin Heathcote, the prospective Independent MP for the new Frome and East Somerset constituency. He said:

"I'm hugely grateful to the Violence Reduction Partnership for organising this invaluable evening.

Knife violence must stop! It's important that parents and other family members help influence young people to distance themselves from knife crime. That's why these events are so important in raising awareness of the dangers and giving parents and carers a chance to hear the first-hand experience of people who have sadly been affected."

The Violence Reduction Partnership is made up of representatives from Bath & North East Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, DHI Project 28, Youth Connect Southwest and the NHS.

Those that attended last Thursday evening had an opportunity to hear from guest speakers with lived experience who have been personally affected by knife crime. There was also a presentation by Street Doctors followed by a panel discussion with the opportunity to ask questions.

For more details about to find out about future Knife Crime Awareness Events email [email protected]

Readers can also keep up-to-date with Gavin Heathcote's run for parliament, follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GavinForFES as he travels around the constituency.

Resident can also get in touch with Gavin by emailing [email protected]