News: Basford campus collaborate with Notts Police to host anti-knife crime event

On 13^th November, over 200 students from across the local area came together at our Basford campus for a powerful event organised by the Nottinghamshire Police Youth Outreach team to raise awareness about knife crime. 

The event included a range of activities, including DJ sets and informative stands. It also featured guest speakers who shared moving accounts of how knife crime has personally impacted their lives.

The main talk at the event was led by Chloe Castledine, who sadly lost her brother, Danny, to a knife crime attack whilst on holiday in Amsterdam. Reflecting on the incident, Chloe discussed the devastating effect it had on her family as well as the emotional and phycological challenges the loss of Danny continues to present to them years after the attack took place. 

Romel Davies, Youth Outreach Coordinator for Nottinghamshire Police, organised the event for the Prevention Hub He said: 

“What happened to Danny Castledine was an absolute tragedy that will have caused unspeakable pain to his loved ones.

“Chloe’s words about how Danny’s death has affected her family will have carried so much weight with the students in attendance and made each of them think about the damage carrying a knife can cause.

“All our speakers and contributors played a part in spreading that positive message, so I’d like to thank all of them as well as Nottingham College for once again hosting this event.”

Carl Ara, Assistant Principal – Basford, said: ​“As a college, we recognise that growing up in Nottingham today presents unique challenges for young people, from navigating social pressures to facing real issues in their communities. Addressing these challenges requires a unified effort — a collaboration between the young people of Nottingham, many of whom are students at our college, and supportive organisations committed to their wellbeing and success. 

“This event demonstrates the power of working together to create a positive, lasting impact. We are immensely proud of our students for their engagement and determination to be part of this change, and grateful for the support of partners like Romel, alongside our dedicated staff, who all share a vision for a brighter future for Nottingham’s youth.” 

The event, which was set up by Nottinghamshire Police Prevention Hub, took place as part of Operation Sceptre, a national week of action happening between 11th and 17th November.

Speaking with one our students that was in attendance, we asked for their thoughts and takeaways from the event. Carpentry/​Joinery student, Omary Lacy-Samms, said: 

“It really opened my eyes (about) the seriousness of knife crime. It’s different than when you see it online or in a presentation because you feel a deeper connection, it’s more sad, it’s more serious. 

It really does raise your awareness, and it fully invests you into the event. Yes, you can find out about this online but hearing it in person hit’s harder.”