Hull City Council have commissioned a citywide violence reduction campaign for schools.
Over the coming months, local man and charity founder Paul Spence will deliver impactful talks to every secondary school pupil in years 7-10, and provide ten educational booklets to every primary school in the city.
Through these talks and resources, young people across the city will learn about the impact of violence through Paul’s lived experiences, as a victim of violence. They will also gain an understanding of the importance of emotional intelligence and be given practical tips to help them calm down and diffuse conflict.
Driven by his own experience, Paul is also a passionate advocate for violence prevention. Through his powerful One Punch Ruins Lives talk, he shares his personal story to raise awareness and help others understand the devastating impact a single act of violence can have. He delivers these talks to schools, youth groups, organisations, and communities across the country.
Paul and Hull City Council are teaming up to try to reduce violence by highlighting the dangers of mindless behaviours and acts of violence.
The aim is to remind young people that actions have consequences and to help them put the right strategies in place to ensure they stay calm and walk away.
In 2012, Paul was attacked without provocation. He subsequently suffered a frontal lobe brain haemorrhage that blew his life to pieces on every level it’s possible to imagine.
One punch left Paul fighting for his life and needing years of neuro rehabilitation. He was told he would never be the same person. Nothing could prepare Paul or his family for the battle of brain recovery.
During his recovery, he struggled to adjust and come to terms with being different. He lost everything, including his career as an electrical engineer, and he spiralled into depression. However, day by day, month by month, year by year, Paul was able to rebuild his life. He identified a need in the community for better brain injury services and founded the charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery in 2015.
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, said: “This is a really important campaign. We want all young people in Hull to feel safe, respected and have a positive future ahead of them. I hope by hearing from Paul, they will feel inspired by his story and learn practical skills in reducing conflict and building emotional resilience.”
Paul said: “I’m delighted that Hull City Council has commissioned this citywide violence reduction campaign. This will really help young people gain an understanding of the impact of mindless acts of violence and the importance of emotional intelligence. It’s positive to see the council’s commitment to supporting the young people in our city, helping to reduce violence and empower them with valuable life skills and knowledge. I’m looking forward to working with schools across our city.”
