Black Onyx Academy has announced the launch of its ‘Save a Life Today (S.A.L.T.)’ that will help to tackle the rising threat of knife crime and violence in Stoke on Trent.

The Academy states that since April, it has delivered three, free, dynamic one-day sessions at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, in Etruria equipping more than 100 businesses with vital knowledge and practical skills in emergency first aid, conflict management and situational awareness.

On Wednesday 10 September, the organisation delivered its first accredited S.A.L.T. course, marking a significant step forward in its mission.

“Reduce tension, prevent violence”

Stef Northfield, Strategic Partnerships Lead at Black Onyx explained: “Knife crime is by no means going away fast.

“We read and hear reports all of the time about incidents which have taken place and we are determined to reach as many people as we possibly can with the S.A.L.T. initiative, therefore working with other businesses and helping to educate them via our workshops is key to our ultimate aim in preventing these things from happening and save lives.”

“All of our training is provided by our expert S.A.L.T. team and we wanted to build on the impact of the sessions we have already delivered this year, which is why we applied for accreditation at Level 2.

“This was granted by our awarding body for compliance – Highfield – who we have worked with since we opened our Academy in 2022, to deliver accredited courses in Security, Close Protection Industry Authority and First Aid,” Northfield continued.

“We introduced our six-hour S.A.L.T. accredited training workshop for the first time at the Chambers of Commerce on 10 September, where participants were provided with essential life-saving skills, including first aid and catastrophic bleed control to give them confidence in responding effectively during emergency situations.”

He added: “The course also delivers strategies to reduce tension, prevent violence, as well as helping attendees to recognise potential threats and certificates are presented to those who pass successfully.”

“It’s vital that businesses come together”

Chris Plant, Interim CEO, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Black Onyx Academy and the S.A.L.T initiative, which is making a real and lasting difference in our community. 

“Knife crime is an issue that affects everyone and it’s vital that businesses come together to be part of the solution. 

“The S.A.L.T. workshops not only provide essential life-saving skills but also empower people to respond confidently and responsibly in difficult situations.

“At the Chambers, we are committed to working with partners like Black Onyx to help create a safer, stronger Staffordshire,” Plant concluded.

“Keen to branch out”

Looking ahead, the Academy is aiming to expand its reach into schools and youth organisations.

Northfield later added: “We are keen to branch out into more schools and community centres in the next six months and connect with businesses interested in sponsoring the delivery of accredited training to educational establishments and youth groups.”

According to the Black Onyx Academy, it will be running several free to attend S.A.L.T workshops at the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce in the coming months.