Medway Task Force joins up with charity to provide advice to school and college pupils

Important advice is being provided to school and college pupils in Chatham and Gillingham thanks to the Medway Task Force.

Officers from the team, which brings together Kent Police, Medway Council, and other important partners, have joined forces with youth charity ‘Fearless’ to hold educational sessions at secondary schools and higher education colleges between Tuesday 19 and Friday 22 October 2021.

A particular focus of the 45-minute-long talks will be a discussion on knife crime and the dangers that come from becoming involved in gang activity. The sessions will be highly interactive encouraging the students to think more about their own safety.

Support will also be on hand for residents visiting Chatham and Gillingham High Streets on Saturday 23 October.

Throughout the day staff from Kent Police, Medway Council, Crimestoppers and Fearless will be on location to provide advice and raise awareness on the support available from each agency.

A Fearless advert van will also visit both locations, promoting the services of the different agencies, before touring across Rochester and Strood.

Opportunities fair

In addition to the school visits, a large opportunities fair will take place at Mid Kent College on Monday 25th October.

The free event will run at the Medway Road, Gillingham, site between 1pm and 4pm and is specifically aimed at young people aged between 14 and 25.

More than 40 stalls will be at the venue, including stands run by Kent Police, the NHS, the National Grid and the National Careers Service. Industry experts from each of these organisations, and many more, will be on hand to offer careers advice.

Attendees will also be able to learn about voluntary schemes and sporting opportunities they can participate in.

Chief Inspector Shona Lowndes, Kent Police’s District Commander for Medway, said:

‘Engaging with young people is a priority for Kent Police and we are always exploring ways we can reach out to them.

‘During the sessions at schools this week, pupils are more than welcome to ask questions they may not be comfortable asking a teacher, or a parent. Our expert officers, and partners, will be more than happy to answer them, without judgement.

‘Ultimately, this week is not about lecturing young people – it’s about empowering them to make the right decisions as they grow up. That’s why this engagement is going to end with an opportunities fair which will help them learn more about the possibilities open to them, and what they need to do to achieve their aims.’