Project warns over knife dangers

The initiative is targeting youngsters across the Forth Valley

A new project to warn teenagers about the dangers of drinking and carrying knives is being launched.

NHS Forth Valley has teamed up with community group Street Sense for the initiative which aims to visit schools and youth groups across the area.

Youngsters will hear from those injured by knives as well as those who have served prison sentences for committing knife offences.

Secondary pupils in Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire will be visited.

Volunteers from Alloa and Stirling who belong to Street Sense will hold four workshops detailing the dangers of carrying knives, drinking fortified wine and the trauma of going through the court system.

NHS Forth Valley health promotion officer Elaine Cochrane said that the workshops would allow youngsters to learn first-hand from those affected by the issue.

She said: "I think it has taken great courage for these volunteers to go into schools and youth groups.

"They are sharing what, after all, is a very personal and often frightening experience. Sometimes teenagers are not the easiest of audiences but youngsters are listening intently.

"A government minister has said that carrying a knife is a generational, almost cultural thing. We have to change that attitude."

In Scotland, levels of knife crime are 3.5 times higher than those seen in England and Wales.

Figures show that last year almost 12,000 victims of stabbing were taken to hospitals north of the border.