International Men's Day: Tom Wilkinson on his role in youth engagement

As International Men’s Day draws to a close, we’ve spoken to Tom Wilkinson, one of our Youth Engagement Co-ordinators, about his role.

Tom works in the Crime Prevention Department at Nettleham HQ. He is part of a team that delivers sessions to schools, colleges, and other education establishments, all across Lincolnshire, providing messages on staying safe. Topics range from anti-bullying to county lines and gang recruitment. He has been with the force for three years.

Asked what was special about his role, Tom said:

“Our team is in the privileged position of being able to speak to the majority of young people who live in Lincolnshire. For example, we deliver sessions in every secondary school at least twice a year. This means that throughout a young person’s secondary school career, they will see our team at least twice for a workshop and discussion addressing their concerns and worries. So far, this academic year (September 2024) as a team, we have delivered sessions to over 8000 pupils.

“Our role also offers lots of space for creativity: whether that’s creating new materials for workshops in schools, delivering sessions at Lincolnshire's Serious Violence Centre, The Happening, or recording our department’s Prevention Partnerships Podcast (available on Spotify). We also run a fortnightly radio show on LCR FM Lincoln, where we deliver important ‘stay safe’ messages to thousands of people across Lincolnshire. You can tune in every second Wednesday from 6pm to 7 pm—just ask your smart speaker to ‘Play LCR FM Lincoln.’”

Tom comes from a background of prevention work and roles that have involved working with young people.

“I was enthusiastic to take on a role within the police to address these issues,” he said, “and am really pleased to see Lincolnshire Police’s strong commitment to education and working with young people.

“I have a passion for drama and using it as a tool to help people express themselves, share their fears, and problem-solve. I’ve enjoy the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that I believe are important and that align with my skill set.”

Asked about positive male role models, Tom picked someone young in years as his inspiration.

“I think I’m very lucky to have been surrounded by so many positive male role models, particularly in my family as I was growing up,” he said. “My grandad, uncles, and my dad have all been great influences, offering different but equally positive examples of what it means to be a good person.

“If I had to pick one, though, I’d say Freddie, my 5-year-old son, is my biggest role model. I like to think I am a role model for him too, but honestly, I probably learn more from him than he ever could from me.”

Find out more about what we're doing for International Men's Day here. 

For more on International Men’s Day please visit: https://ukmensday.org.uk/