Harrop Fold School among those involved in scheme acknowledged by Crimestoppers

Schoolchildren have written and performed plays about the impact such criminal activities has on communities and to steer young people at risk of getting involved in crime in a special project called Stand up for Salford.

The project was also designed to promote Fearless, Crimestoppers' youth service.

Cllr David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: "Around 150 pupils from worked with Rhema Theatre every week for two months to explore the impact of gangs and organised crime on their local community.

"They learnt how information is the key to tackling the menace and how Crimestoppers and Fearless allows anyone to pass on information in total confidence — and then created their own dramas to educate other children."

The project has scooped a top award, with pupils, police and Salford City Council staff who put the Fearless project together being awarded the Crimestoppers Chief Constable's Award, which recognises a team which has promoted and supported the work of the Crimestoppers.

The winning play was created by Harrop Fold School in Little Hulton and was turned into a gritty, 20 minute drama for other teenagers and the Crimestoppers website by students from UTC@MediaCityUK, working with professional actors.

Entitled Fearless, the drama tells the story of one young woman’s ordeal at the hands of her gang member boyfriend and how an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers helps her regain her life.

Drew Povey, Headteacher at Harrop Fold said: "At Harrop Fold we are very proud of the students who were involved in the winning piece.

"We chose to use the theme of domestic violence rather than base it soley on gangs as we felt it was more relevant to our young people, dealt with the challenges they witness and in some cases experience, while at the same time, being an excellent vehicle to highlight the work of "Fearless' and 'Crimestoppers'.

"Our stylised performance was a thought provoking look at how the issue of control and manipulation can so easily affect young people but how there is a way out through the great work that this GMP initiative has sponsored so successfully."

Superintendent Mark Kenny from Greater Manchester Police said: "We have engaged with hundreds of young people across Salford since the scheme was launched last year, educating them on the dangers of getting involved in gangs and ultimately encouraging them not to.

"The pupils and their schools worked extremely hard throughout, a testament to their dedication to keeping their community safe. I would like to personally thank all those involved for making a positive impact on the community of Salford."

Gary Murray from Crimestoppers said: “We are delighted to recognise the great work that has taken place in Salford and all the partners involved. The project was both innovative and impactful and demonstrates how when the community works together they can have a huge impact and really make a difference."

To watch the film visit https://www.salford.gov.uk/crime-reduction-and-emergencies/fearless-fights-gangs/