A HARD-hitting presentation has left students at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College in no doubt about the dangers of gang culture.

The initiative was spearheaded by Stokesley Rotary Club which, following a meeting with the police about the increase of gang crime in cities like London and Birmingham, decided to do something about raising awareness with young people, offered to fund a project for Stokesley School.

Sheldon Thomas, founder of Gangsline, spoke with first-hand experience, having been a gang member from age 11 to 21 from the mid 1970s.

He pitched age-appropriate insights into the gang scene to all students from Years 7 to 13, alerting them to grooming and initiation into gangs, the make-up of a gang member, female sexual exploitation and the dangers of drugs.

The presentation was clear: anyone can be a target for a gang, no matter what race, age or social background. Mr Thomas highlighted the many ways gang members attract young people using different mediums and language. He explained how students can recognise these approaches and, most importantly, how they can protect themselves from them.

Chris Simpson, associate principal at Stokesley School, said: “Sadly, young people are exposed to news about gang culture on a daily basis across a wide range of media. While these gangs tend to operate in some cities, it is vitally important that our students are made fully aware of the dangers of gang crime and what it can lead to.”

Mr Thomas captivated the students’ attention, prompting pertinent question and answer sessions. At the end of the presentations, students had a greater understanding of building resilience and raising awareness around the dangers of gang culture, appreciating it’s not just the individual involved in a gang that is in danger, it puts the whole family network at risk.

Mr Thomas left the gangs after he narrowly missed being shot and out of his 25-strong gang, nine were killed and three are in mental institutions. This prompted a complete change in attitude and he went on to gain a degree in marketing and statistics.

Ann Keene, from Stokesley Rotary Club, said: “We were delighted to be able to facilitate the bringing of Gangsline to Stokesley School. Having listened to Sheldon’s presentation, it has more than met my expectation. It was powerful and the silence in the hall showed how well the students were listening to his message."