Pictured (L-R): Eamonn Murphy (Safeguarding Lead for TCC). Claire Carlson (Trustee for the Glen Corner Trust). Pat McDougall (Trustee for the Glen Corner Trust – Glens Nanna), Jennifer Brown (Trustee for the Glen Corner Trust), Nicola McCluskey (Trustee for the Glen Corner Trust and member of staff at TCC)
The Glen Corner Trust, a South Tyneside-based charity dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating impact of knife crime, has made a generous donation of two bleed control packs to TyneMet and South Tyneside College campuses. This donation is part of the charity’s ongoing efforts to equip local communities with the resources needed to save lives in the event of a traumatic injury.
The two packs, which will be stationed at each of the college’s campuses, are designed to provide immediate assistance in the event of serious injuries, including knife wounds. They are not only intended for potential emergencies but can also be used for workshop-related injuries, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
The Glen Corner Trust’s donation is particularly meaningful as the charity holds strong ties with the college. The Trust expressed its gratitude to Tyne Coast College of which TyneMet and South Tyneside are part of, for their years of support, making this donation an important gesture to help ensure the college is equipped to handle critical situations.
The charity was established in 2006 in memory of Glen Corner, a young man tragically murdered on his 16th birthday. In the years since, the Trust has grown into a powerful voice in the community, helping more than 25 families who have lost loved ones to knife crime by supporting them with funeral costs. They also collaborate with local organisations like the Shields Gazette and Northumbria Police on the “Knives Ruin Lives” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying knives.
One of the charity’s trustees, Jennifer Brown who regularly speaks at TyneMet and South Tyneside College, has dedicated time to educating students about the risks of knife crime. Through heartfelt talks, Jennifer shares the real-life consequences of carrying knives, not only on individuals but on their families and communities. These sessions aim to challenge students’ perceptions and encourage them to make positive choices, preventing future tragedies like Glen’s.
Trustee of Glen Corner Trust, Nicola McCluskey comments,
Knife crime has a ripple effect that tears families and communities apart, these bleed packs are a practical step toward saving lives, but we must continue to work to prevent these injuries from happening in the first place.
The bleed packs, designed to control severe bleeding until emergency services arrive, have been shown to save lives when used in time. Their placement at TyneMet and South Tyneside College ensures that the campuses are now better prepared to respond quickly to incidents, a safety net that could make the difference between life and death.
The Glen Corner Trust’s commitment to both preventing knife crime and supporting those affected by it continues to be a powerful force in South Tyneside, making the community a safer place for all.