THE founder of an Essex-based anti-knife crime charity which has received funding to deliver workshops to pupils claims schools across Rochford and Rayleigh haven’t taken up the offer.

Caroline Shearer set up Only Cowards Carry in November 2012 in memory of her son, Jay Whiston, a few months after he was stabbed to death.

To date, the charity has worked with more than 50,000 children, who have been taught about the devastating effects of knife crime.

Ms Shearer said 72 per cent of pupils admitted they had carried a weapon, would carry one or knew someone who did.

But Ms Shearer claims that despite calls and emails to four schools in the district, staff have not responded to her requests to deliver the hard-hitting workshops.

She said that she had contacted Sweyne Park, FitzWimarc, Greensward Academy and the King Edmund School.

She said: “We have got the knife amnesty bins in Southend and Pitsea but you have got to have the education alongside it. I think parents would want kids to have these workshops.

“People need to be aware of what can happen and the consequences of being involved in gangs.

“I can’t believe the schools wouldn’t want to take part.”

The knife crime workshops are funded by Rochford Housing’s Maureen’s Gift fund - which was set up in 2011 in memory of community champion Maureen Vince - to provide funding for local projects that benefit residents and their neighbourhoods.

The one-hour interactive sessions will involve role play and teach teenagers about knife crime laws.

Pupils will hear shocking statistics in an attempt to deter them from carrying blades - with more than 78 per cent of people who carry a weapon getting stabbed themselves.

Paul Evans, deputy head at the King Edmund School, said he has invited Ms Shearer for a meeting next week.

Ed Hawkings, assistant headteacher at Sweyne Park, said: “We are not aware of anything being offered but we are always interested in listening and thinking about what can be done, especially in terms of crime.”

Schools interested in taking part should contact 01255 428744 or to email Info@onlycowardscarry.org