BBC Feature Bedford Giving Initiative

We are proud to support Bedford Giving and its recent initiative, the Blue Lights Project, which provided Year 9 pupils at Wixams Academy with a powerful introduction to real-world emergency services and the consequences of knife crime.

The BBC reported that the session formed part of Bedford Giving’s Taste of the Workplace programme, designed to deliver immersive, career-focused experiences directly within schools. For this event, students participated in a high-impact dramatisation of a knife-related incident, led by police cadets and emergency service professionals. The demonstration included a full-scale emergency response, from paramedic intervention to crime scene management and police procedures.

Students heard directly from practitioners about the realities of their roles, the importance of staying calm under pressure, and the broader social impact of violent crime. They also engaged with essential skills such as CPR and emergency first aid.

Many pupils described the session as “intense”, “powerful”, and “eye-opening”, with some now considering future careers in fields such as policing, forensic science, and the NHS. As one student reflected, “We’ve seen how one decision can change a life forever—not just for the person carrying the knife, but for their families and communities too.”

Another pupil remarked on the importance of teamwork in high-pressure environments, saying, “No one works alone—everyone has a part to play.”

This event exemplifies the value of early, meaningful exposure to professional environments, encouraging young people to reflect on their own choices while learning critical life skills. By bringing these experiences directly into schools, Bedford Giving removes traditional barriers to access and ensures all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to engage.

We commend Bedford Giving’s leadership in delivering these impactful programmes and are committed to supporting initiatives that empower and inspire the next generation.