Pupils from St Michael’s School in Rowley Regis are delighted to win the award for Outstanding Young Community Project at the Police and Crime Commissioner Awards on Thursday 11 July.
Student Voice at Rowley Regis School volunteer their time to making a positive change in their community and raise awareness of issues affecting young people. The group consists of around 100 young people, aged 11-15 years.
Students have delivered a variety of projects on trending issues such as social isolation, youth violence, knife crime and an ongoing campaign to promote positive mental health as part of a Sandwell initiative called 21st Century Child
Student Voice’s most recent event focused on youth violence and knife crime, with nearly 300 people in attendance.
Working in partnership with West Midlands Police, a knife arch was set up to raise awareness of the risks associated with carrying weapons and the impact knife crime has on family, friends and the wider community.
The group has also introduced a monthly police surgery with the local neighbourhood team, to break down barriers and increase positive relationships between young people and the police.
The pupils work tirelessly during lunchtimes, evenings, weekends and holidays to make a difference to their school and local community. Some even attend the West Midlands Scrutiny Panel, to offer their views on police stop and search.
Student Voice has built strong relationships with council provisions, local councillors, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire and many more.
Their strong moral values have made a positive change both inside and outside of school.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “St. Michael’s Student Voice does outstanding work raising awareness of issues affecting young people.
“Their recent project focussing on knife crime and youth violence is very topical and a pressing issue, here in the West Midlands. They show a real commitment to making a positive change in their community and I am delighted they have been shortlisted for an award.”
Kerry Whitehouse, School Engagement Development Manager at St Michael’s CofE High School, added: “Student Voice work so hard to raise awareness of issues and help others. They are a special group of young people who represent their school wonderfully. The students are selfless in their approach, always putting others first. We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised for our ongoing work.”
