Young people on the Etc. Prince’s Trust Team programme in Middlesbrough and Redcar have given a colourful boost to a campaign about the dangers of knife-crime.
The Redcar headquarters of the Chris Cave Foundation, set up 20 years ago by Theresa Cave after her son Chris lost his life when he was stabbed, now boasts an impressive mural on its gable wall at West Dyke Road.
The Foundation supports the families of victims and works tirelessly to educate young people about the dangers of carrying knives.
The Tree of Life, with falling leaves, includes 300 hand-written names of victims from the North-east, across the country and even one from the Bronx in the USA.
“The young people on this team have been amazing,” said Theresa Cave, “creating this wonderful mural in two weeks. I am so proud of them. They have listened to our aims and to the families of victims, creating something that people are telling us is beautiful and makes them smile despite the sadness."
The mural was created with the help of funding from UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary.
Theresa said: "We are so grateful to the young people and to UKSE for providing the money needed for this wonderful memorial.”
The young people, all from Teesside, and aged between 16 and 25, designed and created the mural with the help of an artist. Having chosen the Foundation as their community project they won a grant from UKSE’s Community Support Fund to buy equipment and paint.
Peter Taylor, UKSE’s Business Development Manager, said: “UKSE is a long-term supporter of The Prince’s Trust Team programmes in this area. They not only help young people into education, training and employment but the projects really improve our local communities.”
The 12-week programme also includes an outdoor residential week, help with job applications and interviews, a work placement and the development of skills from teamwork to budgeting.
The programmes are delivered by Education Training Collective and Nathan James, The Prince’s Trust Redcar Team Leader, was himself helped to turn his life around by the Trust.
“Creating the mural was a new and hugely valuable experience for this team,” he said. “They have put everything into working with the Foundation and done a great job. We are very grateful for UKSE’s financial input and for the time they spend with the team on their project presentation. And we have been visiting local schools alongside Theresa to spread the word about The Prince’s Trust and the Foundation.”
