Redditch Self Defence

Review
Pete’s anti-knife assembly was delivered to our entire cohort of year 9 and 10 students. The assembly was engaging and interactive which students really enjoyed. Students were attentive right from the beginning as Pete began with his personal account of his own experiences with knife crime. Students were involved with questions; acting out scenarios and the message was clear. It was a great assembly and a vital opportunity for our students.
Miss M Devine
Head of Year 9/Character and Culture coordinator
Chair of DAGS

Pete came into Redditch College during our Sexual Harassment week. We would like to thank Pete on the impact he made on our students providing them useful advice about self defence and law of sexual harassment. We had 100 students attend the three sessions Pete provided, and all students engaged amazingly.
We look forward to having Pete back at the college in the future.

Pete has a very positive influence on our students, is able to engage with them and provide them with tools to use in life outside of school.
Kind regards,
Mireia Castells | DDSL and First Aid Lead
Waseley Hills School

On behalf of Parkside Middle School can I thank you for your two knife crime sessions you did with us. The impact on the children has been amazing and created lots of interesting discussion in our classrooms this week. I have heard nothing but positives from all 300 children spoken to and all can relay the key messages you give.

On behalf of all the children and staff at Parkside can I thank you sincerely for your time. Wish you a happy Christmas and look forward to working with you again in 2022.

Steve Swaffield

Assistant Headteacher



Parkside Middle School



Bromsgrove

A massive thank you to Pete for delivering these sessions. Children are still continuing to ask if they can continue which is a testament to the effectiveness of each session.  Behaviours in and around school are better from selected students. Greater understanding of respect towards staff and peers,  Children would have liked a longer program to continue developing their learning.

 

Pete came to Malvern St James to deliver 2x 3 hour sessions in Self Defence to Year 11 and 12 girls. All of those who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves; leaving the session saying that they would have liked longer and asking if we could arrange a weekly club as a result of this experience. Watching the Year 11’s practising some of the skills Pete taught them, the level of focus and the enthusiastic engagement of even some of the quieter class members, was amazing. Thank you for such a interesting and informative day, we will definitely be inviting you back.

Pastoral Lead at Malvern St James ’ School

Pete’s referral programme provides a crucial opportunity for police and partners to divert vulnerable young people in Redditch away from the risk of criminal exploitation. Youth activities play an important role in the delivery of positive messages and safeguarding measures to young people and their parents, providing a safe space to influence attitudes and behaviours. Without these programmes we know young people can become vulnerable to being lured into various forms of criminality including, for example, violent crime and county lines. We have seen some fantastic success stories and positive feedback from young people and families who have been referred to Pete and it is vital we continue to take all opportunities to engage with young people who are at risk of offending or victimisation as early as possible.

Inspector Lee Page

Safer Neighbourhood Team

Redditch and Bromsgrove

West Mercia Police

Hi Pete,

It’s been great working with you for the last two years

We first met at the Matchborough Boxing Club when you were running free Boxing classes on a Saturday afternoon. The average class size was around 30 young people.

I thought the Saturday class was good for the local community. Some of the attendees went on to try other Martial Arts, but their first experience of unarmed combat started with your class.

I could see the benefits and used to encourage the young kids to come along. I often caught kids on Church roofs or general messing around. I used to use my power of persuasion to get them to attend. I thought it helped give them a bit of self-respect and discipline.

PCSO Clive Rainbow

The young people I have referred to the Redditch self defence group have thrived and loved the support and some continuing on once their support package has come to an end. Pete and the team are very knowledgeable about the needs of teenagers and the challenges they face. Pete’s multi agency approach to supporting the young people is fantastic from good professional communication, engaging in professional core group meetings, one to one session with the young people and meeting the family. Their set up in the gym is fantastic with great equipment.

Kat Webster

Family Support Worker

Targeted Family Support

Redditch Office:

Worcestershire County Council: County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP

Testimonial:
We have worked in partnership with Pete at Redditch Self Defence for a couple for years now. Always very reliable, engaging and fun. He has great way at working with all sections of the community and is able to engage with young people and pass on his enthusiasm for self-defence that has a real impact. The work Pete is doing is vital for the town and having a real impact on subjects such as knife crime prevention that are much needed. Long may his great work continue.
Chris Wells – Sports Development Officer at Redditch Borough Council.