Westfield Academy hosted a thought-provoking talk on night crime, featuring special guest speaker, Alison Cope, a well respected anti-violence and knife crime campaigner. The event was organised by Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman.
Alison Cope, a courageous advocate against youth violence, shared her personal journey and experiences during the talk. Tragically, she lost her 18 year old son to a fatal knife attack in 2013. Despite his struggles with crime in his early years after his father's imprisonment, he managed to turn his life around and pursue a career in music, even achieving a No.1 album in the UK shortly before his untimely death.
Alison emphasized that her son's death was not related to gangs or drugs, but rather an argument that originated on social media. Her message resonated strongly, highlighting the dangers of online disputes and the unintended real-life consequences they can have. She addressed the prevalent fear-driven mentality that leads many individuals to carry knives for self-defence, fuelled by the false perception that everyone else is armed.
The key lesson Alison shared with the young audience was a profound one: to be cautious about their online interactions, the words they use, and the company they keep. She stressed the tangible impact of online behaviour on real-life situations, urging young people to exercise responsibility and consider the consequences of their actions.
Since the tragic loss of her son, Alison Cope has dedicated her life to preventing youth violence. Through sharing her son's unique life and death story, she strives to raise awareness and educate others about the realities and repercussions of youth violence, particularly the far-reaching consequences of online actions.
During her presentation, Alison conveyed the emotional realisation of how individual choices profoundly affect loved ones and reinforced the importance of prevention. She also highlighted the significance of nurturing hope for the future, even in the face of setbacks, to inspire young people to make positive choices.
Dean Russell MP expressed his gratitude for being part of this enlightening event. He stated, "Alison Cope's powerful message reminds us all of the critical need to address youth violence and its connection to the digital platforms. It is crucial that we educate young people about the consequences of their actions online and provide them with the support they need to make informed choices."
Westfield Academy, Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman, and Dean Russell MP commended Alison Cope for her tireless efforts in advocating for a safer and more responsible digital landscape. The event served as a powerful platform to initiate meaningful conversations and inspire positive change in addressing night crime and the digital world we live in.
