As the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, I had the honour of visiting Dame Elizabeth Cadbury College to witness a powerful and moving talk delivered by Alison Cope. Alison was the mother of Joshua Ribera, who tragically lost his life to youth violence in 2013.
The work that Alison does is vital in our ongoing efforts to combat youth violence in the West Midlands. By sharing her son’s story, she not only honours his memory but also empowers young people to think critically about their choices and the impact those choices can have on themselves and others. Her dedication to raising awareness about the harsh realities of youth violence is both inspiring.
I left feeling moved by both Alison’s resilience and the engagement of the students. It is clear that initiatives like these are crucial in shaping a safer and more understanding community. As High Sheriff, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote education and awareness surrounding youth violence and I applaud Alison for her tireless work in this area.