An art installation showcasing the work of primary schoolchildren in Bootle has been launched, promoting discussion about staying safe, knife crime and gang culture.
The display is available for the public to view in The Strand Shopping Centre, with an additional feature in Bootle Library which includes pledges and posters designed and created by the young people who have taken part in the Stay Safe workshops.
The story behind the artwork entitled ‘The Wave Of Change’ is that children can overcome adversity through great strength and a strong desire to make a change in their community.
Conquer Life CIC launched the Stay Safe campaign back in September 2018, delivering workshops to primary schools across Liverpool for children in years 4, 5, and 6.
YouTube: Abigail Lawrence
The Stay Safe project has targeted the needs of over 500 young people in schools and more than 600 through the detached youth work team in the Bootle area. The aim of the project is to prevent young people from getting involved with dangerous behaviours early on as opposed to dealing with the end result.
Sharon Devine, Stay Safe Coordinator at Conquer Life CIC, said: “Here at Conquer Life, we believe that the key to preventing gun and knife crime is early intervention. Through our workshops, we have shaped the way that young people think about staying safe when out and about.
“By providing them with real-life situations and scenarios, put forward in a friendly and animated way, they are now better equipped to manage and handle a problematic and potentially harmful situation, should it arise.”
Due to the interest already shown by the public, the art installation in The Strand will be available on display for an extended period of time.