The Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner visited a Bamber Bridge school to see how his funding has impacted the local community.
Clive Grunshaw went to Brownedge St Mary’s High School in South Ribble to educate them on vital topics such as misogyny and coercion.
As part of the First Kick Foundation project, the ten-week behaviour programme aimed to cover topics to protect women and girls against violence.
Read more: ‘Women didn’t feel safe 45 years ago in Preston – why have we not made progress?’
Covering ages 13-14, the project was the Crime Commissioner’s response to a growing trend in misogynistic attitudes among young people as young as 12.
Following the visit, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Preventing violence against women and girls is key priority in the Police and Crime Plan, and I’m pleased to support local projects that work to educate young people and challenge misogynistic attitudes at a young age.
“We know how important early intervention is in influencing the lives of young people. By engaging with them at a young age and encouraging healthy conversations, we can drive meaningful, long-term change.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to support community projects that promote healthy relationships among young people, helping to prevent violence against women and girls in the future.”
The first kick programme received £5,000 from the commissioners’ VAWG fund, and a total of £177,000 has been invested in 38 intervention projects that aim to create a safer environment for women and girls across Lancashire.
Tom Hutton, head of the First Kick Foundation, said: “First Kick Foundation is delighted to be working in partnership with local high schools across South Ribble, delivering a range of engaging, enriching and informative Violence Against Women education sessions.
“Empowerment and early intervention are key and valuable tools in enabling young people to become more aware of the influences which lead to Violence Against Women and Girls taking place, alongside supporting young people to both appropriately challenge and identify such acts, in their community.”
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