Soap star aids fight against gun crime in region

The 26-year-old, who played Kelly Taylor in the BBC soap, has been asked by the Government to tour the country looking at a range of projects that aim to combat serious youth violence.

Prime Minister David Cameron has given her licence to conduct the fact-finding mission and she will report directly back to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, on schemes that appear to be making a difference.

Miss Kinsella said: "The reason I started doing this and the reason I'm so passionate is that I started out by thinking 'we'll be able to bring Ben back some day' – which is naive and stupid, but if I can't bring Ben back then I want to stop it happening to at least one more person.

"I felt quite ashamed that I didn't realise how big a problem (knife crime) was and I hadn't done anything before.

"Maybe I could have stopped it happening to my brother."

During yesterday's visit, Miss Kinsella went to South Yorkshire Police's Lifewise Centre at the Magna centre in Rotherham, to find out more about the charity "In2Change."

In2Change sees convicted offenders and former prisoners working with young offenders to offer them "resettlement support", in a bid to cut rates of reoffending.

While at the Magna centre, she also learned more about South Yorkshire Police's "Point 7" project, which delivers hard-hitting messages on gun and knife crime to youngsters.

Miss Kinsella said: "I've seen a lot of projects, and this is the first one that's made me cry. I've seen lot of graphic images but, the project today, I can't do it justice in words.

"If ever there was a project that's going to make a difference, this is it. The fact that we have got ex-offenders saying what the reality is makes the world of difference.

"Kids aren't listening to authority. This project is different in that it shows reality. You hear that prison is a holiday camp, with PlayStations and things, and I thought the people who killed my brother were living the life of luxury. Then you come here, today, and you learn what prison is really like. It makes a lot of difference."

She added: "The message I've always given since my brother died, since day one, is that word 'choice'. A lot of people think they can't get out of the life that they've chosen, and we need to show them a different way. This project says to them, 'have a little think and see if you can do it better'. They're worth more than that.

"I don't want to spread the message that there's no hope - projects like this show there is hope - but (knife crime) is a massive problem and it needs to be addressed."

While in South Yorkshire, Miss Kinsella also travelled to Burngreave to meet representatives from Sheffield Council's Targeted Youth Support Team.

The team works closely with the police to try and engage with young people who may be involved in gangs or are suspected of carrying weapons, by steering them towards alternative activities.

Chief Inspector Paul McCurry, who co-ordinated Miss Kinsella's visit, said: "We've made significant progress, especially in the Sheffield area, but recognise that we need the support of the community to continue making improvements.

"We need to empower local communities to work with the police and partners to make further reductions in violent crime and give young people real opportunities."

The actress added: "Most young people are hard working and law abiding, but those who carry knives need to know it's wrong and the horrible consequences of their actions.

"I'm pleased the Home Secretary has asked me to do this work because I want to make sure youngsters across the country are getting the best help available – in the hope it helps stop other families going through what we did."