An initiative training young people in first aid skills was the centre of attention during a visit from North Wales police and crime commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin.

The North Wales StreetDoctors project provides essential medical training to young people at risk of violence, enabling them to assist in emergencies such as stabbings or when someone is knocked unconscious.

The project, run by the StreetDoctors charity, is part of the North Wales Serious Violence Response Strategy.

Youth workers and healthcare volunteers carry out the training, which also educates the young participants about the medical consequences of injuries and the mental health impact of experiencing violence.

Approximately 250 young people aged between 11 and 18 from across Flintshire are expected to benefit from this training.

On October 23, Mr Dunbobbin attended a session of the project at Flint High School.

The session saw students learning about dealing with knife injuries and bleeding, with an emphasis on practical action rather than scare tactics.

The aim is to empower students with the knowledge of how to stop bleeding and help them understand the human body and organs, the physical and psychological consequences of violence, and evaluate their learning and willingness to act in an emergency.

North Wales police and crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: "It was a pleasure to visit Flint High School and see the North Wales StreetDoctors project in action.

"This initiative, which is part of the vital North Wales Serious Violence Response Strategy, will help improve knowledge of the medical and mental health consequences of violence.

"It will also offer the young people new skills and an understanding of what to do in an emergency, such as a stabbing, or if they encounter an unconscious victim.

"I also hope it will also improve their confidence and willingness to step forward and provide lifesaving first aid if needed."

The North Wales Serious Violence Response Strategy aims to prevent and reduce serious violence across the region by working with communities and bringing partners together, including the police, local authorities, fire and rescue services, and specified health and criminal justice agencies.

The PCC and his office act as the convenor for these various stakeholders.

Mr Dunbobbin highlighted the impact of serious violence on individuals and communities across North Wales.

He said: "During 2022-23 over 30,000 offences of violence against the person were recorded by the police across the region.

"While this was a welcome decrease from the year before – and shows the hard work of North Wales Police and partners in the community – I am determined to see this figure drop even further."

James Warr, youth justice manager for Flintshire, said: "With the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, StreetDoctors has provided a valuable input with children, young people in schools and provides clear and useful information and practical aimed to reduce the impact of serious violence in our communities."

Phil Crandle, operations manager at StreetDoctors, said: "At StreetDoctors, we believe young people are part of the solution to street violence.

"By giving young people the skills and the knowledge, both in the physical and psychological effects of violence, we empower them to keep themselves and others safe.

"In 2024 alone, we have trained over 10,000 young people nationally, and we are pleased that we have joined efforts by North Wales Serious Violence Response Strategy to support the decrease in crime locally."

Diane Jones, serious violence programme lead at the office of the police and crime commissioner, added: "This pioneering work in Flintshire, supported by partners across the region, demonstrates the impact of health professionals working directly with schools.

"Prioritising prevention in schools is essential, and we are committed to expanding this initiative to other counties."

For more information about the North Wales Serious Violence Response Strategy, visit the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner website.