Refinery creates hard-hitting Christmas campaign
Mothers Against Violence, the Manchester-based community group, has created a hard-hitting new Christmas campaign with the help of Refinery Marketing Communications.
The campaign aims to alert youths in the city to issues relating to gun and knife crime, and educate them of the dangers of carrying a knife, in the hope of making the community a safer place.
Refinery has created a Christmas-themed mailer which will be handed out by the community group’s volunteers in crime hotspots around the city in the run up to Christmas.
The card highlights the devastating effects of knife crime and its consequences, not only for victims but for the perpetrator too.
A poster has also been produced which will be distributed to local schools, youth clubs, libraries and youth offending and probation social services.
Greater Manchester Police has given the campaign its full backing, with Chief Superintendent of the Local Policing Improvement Branch Dave Lea saying: "We simply have to get the message out to young people that carrying a knife is a recipe for disaster. This is not virtual reality, it is plain, ugly, harsh reality. You carry a knife, you face the consequences. The best outcome is a criminal record, the worst another life lost. I commend this campaign."
Patsy McKie, Mothers Against Violence spokesperson, added: "Mothers Against Violence is a voluntary organisation set up and run by mothers from the local community. Our aim is to educate and influence people who are affected by gun and knife crime, whether victim or perpetrator.
"Christmas is an important family time, which is why we're launching this campaign to try to make a difference and appeal to anyone who might be involved in violent crimes. We want to bring love, hope and peace to our hearts and on our streets this Christmas. By raising awareness of the issues we hope to affect the next generation, as well as celebrate and support children and youngsters in the area."