YOUNG people are receiving hard-hitting lessons about knife crime thanks to a Bournemouth charity.

Thousands are being told about the consequences of carrying knives and the devastating effect it can have on families and communities.

The lessons are being delivered thanks to an educational pack devised by Turn Your Back UK, a charity set up by Southbourne mum Jane Ormerod after her son was stabbed to death nearly four years ago.

And plans are in the pipeline to license and accredit more people to deliver the lessons to even more young people.

Jane, of Cranleigh Road, threw herself into the project after the death of her son Nicholas, 29, in Boscombe on April 8, 2011.

His killer, Mark Haylock, is due to be released from prison in May this year after serving just half of an eight-year sentence.

From humble beginnings in 2012, the charity has gained support from many organisations and recently launched its educational package.

A total of 20 people from youth organisations can now deliver the package and another event to train more will be held in the next three or four months.

Jane has urged other groups to get in touch if they want to receive the free training and has again asked the public to support the charity’s efforts.

“I still miss Nick and think about him every day,” she said.

“I can’t believe he’s gone and that I’ll never hear his voice again – never is a long time.

“I hope the training will make young people think about the consequences of carrying a knife, not just for them but for families and communities.”

Volunteers will be raising money at events including Winton Carnival and Bourne Free and 15 people are needed to pack shopping bags for donations at Asda in Bournemouth on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Anyone interested in training or volunteering should contact the charity through tybuk.com