Four years after a series of tragic shootings shocked Merseyside, the bereaved families are backing a powerful new educational resource to help prevent more young lives being lost to violence.
August 16 2022 saw the start of one of Merseyside’s most devastating weeks.
Twenty-two-year-old Sam Rimmer was shot while standing with friends on Lavrock Bank, Dingle. Five days later, 28-year-old Ashley Dale was killed in Old Swan and the following day nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was fatally shot in Dovecot.
Ashley and Olivia were in their own homes where they should have been safest.
Their murders led to Merseyside Police being given funding by the Home Office to begin a Clear, Hold, Build operation, known locally as EVOLVE, bringing together police, local authorities, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, health services, schools and community partners to tackle serious organised crime and create safer neighbourhoods.
There are now four EVOLVE sites in Merseyside that have each made significant progress in improving those communities since their launch.
EVOLVE Wirral, Merseyside’s second site, was launched in December 2022 following the fatal shooting of Elle Edwards outside the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey on Christmas Eve.
The four families have now contributed to the Dear Merseyside education resource which is set to launch in September to encourage young people to think differently about violence, exploitation and the choices they make, to be part of the solution to making Merseyside a safer place for generations to come.
Developed by Merseyside Police and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, the free educational resource has been designed for use in secondary schools, youth organisations and other education providers across the region.
At its heart is the moving poem Dear Merseyside, written by Liverpool poet Joseph Roberts, which reflects on community, loss and hope.
The poem is used as a starting point for guided classroom discussions about the devastating impact of violence, recognising criminal exploitation and making positive life choices, supported by lesson materials, activities and a film edited by Adam Thompson from Humans of Liverpool.
It also encourages young people to use their voices for change and create their own Dear Merseyside poems and other creative outputs.
The education resource builds on the success of the assemblies and workshops with Joseph Roberts and crime prevention partners that first started in secondary schools in the EVOLVE areas last March and have seen more than 7,250 Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils from 15 schools participate to date.
The resource has been shaped with the support and involvement of the families of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale, Olivia Pratt-Korbel and Elle Edwards, ensuring their loved ones’ stories continue to inspire positive change while being shared with dignity and respect.
The families paid tribute to their loved ones in the resource.
Sam’s mum Joanne Rimmer said: “Sam was more than a son, he was a friend, and a cherished soul. He touched the lives of so many people. His smile, laughter, kindness and his loyalty will never be forgotten.
“The pain of losing him is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. A mother’s love does not end with goodbye. I will carry Sam with me always, and I will honour his memory for as long as I live.”
Ashley’s mum Julie Dale said: “Ashley was so much more than the violence that stole her future.
“She was a daughter, deeply loved, a soul with dreams, laughter and a presence that mattered. The memories of her smile, her voice, and the love she gave us every day remain with us every day.
“Ashley had a future, dreams and people who counted on her smile and her presence. Those who loved her carry both pride and heartbreak every single day – pride in who she was, heartbreak because she should still be here.
“Ashley is missed more than words can say and loved more than time can ever erase. Her memory lives on in every heart she ever touched, and her name will always be spoken with love.”
Ashley’s dad Steven Dunne said: “Sometimes I used to think after losing Ashley there was some comfort because she was now reunited with her brother Lewis but I now dispel that myth because the reality is they should be together and be here, alive with the rest of us and none of us would have to suffer.
“From the pain Ashley and Lewis went through before losing their lives to the pain we have to live with for the rest of our lives.
“The now convicted men of both these murders who are serving life sentences should serve as a reminder to anyone who thinks about picking up a weapon, whether it be a gun, a knife, or anything that could inflict injury to another and to think about the irreversible damage and consequences of these actions. Because ultimately, there is no winner or gain only losers and loss.”
Olivia’s mum Cheryl Korbel said: “Olivia should have turned 13 on June 13 2026. She would be in high school with her friends, sharing the excitement of becoming a teenager. Instead, we are left holding the milestones she never got to reach.
“I think about her every minute of every day. I constantly wonder how her face would have changed, whether her hair would feel the same, how tall she would be now. I imagine the clothes she might choose, the music she would dance around the house to, the conversations we would share. She was so intelligent, so thoughtful – our chats were my favourite.
“More than four years have passed without her, and so much has happened. Each family milestone highlights her absence. Moments she should have lived, experiences she should have shared with us, memories she should have been part of – all taken from her, and from us.”
Olivia’s dad John Pratt said: “Every day, Olivia is in my thoughts. I have missed so many milestones since she was physically taken from me, but I carry her with me always – in my head, and in my heart – where she will live forever.
“I miss her cheeky smile and her laugh – the kind that stayed with you long after it ended. I miss the way she loved us all so deeply and so freely.
“Though I cannot see her grow, I hold tightly to the memories of who she was and the love we shared. That love does not fade. It does not end. It remains constant, just as she does.”
Elle’s parents Gaynor Ward and Tim Edwards said: “Elle was a remarkable young woman whose kindness, determination, and warmth touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
“Elle possessed a smile that could brighten even the darkest days, and an uplifting spirit that brought comfort, joy, and strength to those around her.
“Her presence was a gift to her family, friends, and community alike. Though her time with us was far too short, the love and light she shared continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. To us, Elle will forever remain the brightest star in the night sky.
“As a family, we are incredibly proud that Elle’s legacy continues to inspire and bring hope to future generations. May the Dear Merseyside resource stand as a tribute to Elle’s beautiful spirit and as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps – to live with courage, kindness, and purpose.”
The families collectively said: “We want something positive to come from our loss. Our loved ones should still be here. They had dreams, ambitions and futures ahead of them that were cruelly taken away.
“We have chosen to support this resource because we want young people to hear the human stories behind the headlines.
“We hope they see that every act of violence leaves families, friends and communities living with its consequences forever.
“If this helps even one young person to think differently, make a better choice or stay safe, it matters.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Grounds, the head of EVOLVE for Merseyside Police, added: “The anniversaries of these tragic murders are a time to remember the lives that were taken far too soon and to reflect on the devastating impact their loss continues to have on their families, friends and communities.
“What makes the Dear Merseyside resource so powerful is that it has a thought-provoking poem at its core, which is essentially a love letter to Merseyside written by Liverpool poet Joseph Roberts, and it has been supported by families who have experienced the devastating consequences of violence first hand.
“They have chosen to turn unimaginable loss into an opportunity to educate and protect future generations – to encourage young people to think about the choices they make, the influences around them, the values they hold and the part they can play in creating positive change.
“The resource challenges harmful attitudes and social norms, helps young people recognise exploitation, and gives them opportunities to discuss important issues openly and honestly.
“Most importantly, it empowers young people to use their voices and talents to shape the future of their communities.
“We are incredibly grateful to the families for helping create a lasting legacy from unimaginable loss. We hope this resource inspires young people across Merseyside to make positive choices, support one another and help build safer, stronger communities for generations to come.
“Our EVOLVE operations are making significant progress in helping improve communities affecting crime but education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent violence before it happens, and we hope Dear Merseyside will help schools start important conversations that could ultimately save lives.”
Since launching in August 2022, EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley has brought together partners to reduce violence, disrupt organised crime and invest in communities through prevention, education and opportunities for young people.
The Dear Merseyside resource represents the latest stage of that work, creating a lasting educational legacy for schools across Merseyside.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Dear Merseyside is a powerful example of how creativity, education and lived experience can come together to help prevent violence and create lasting change.
“Through poetry, spoken word and creative writing, it gives young people a safe space to explore difficult issues, share their perspectives and reflect on the future they want for themselves and their communities.
“By encouraging young people to find and use their voices, the project helps build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. It empowers them to influence positive change and reinforces the importance of early intervention and prevention in creating safer communities.
“This work is particularly important in communities which have experienced the devastating impact of organised crime. Through the EVOLVE project, significant progress has been made to disrupt organised crime groups and reclaim neighbourhoods which have suffered from their influence.
“However, we can never be complacent. We must continue working proactively with partners, residents and young people to tackle the root causes of criminality, build resilience and ensure organised crime groups are unable to regain a foothold in our communities.
“Most importantly, this resource would not have been possible without the courage and generosity of the families of Sam Rimmer, Ashley Dale, Olivia Pratt-Korbel and Elle Edwards.
“Despite experiencing unimaginable loss, they have chosen to turn their grief into a force for positive change. Their contribution ensures these lessons are rooted in real experiences, helping to inspire and protect future generations while creating a lasting legacy for their loved ones.”
Since the launch of EVOLVE Liverpool-Knowsley in August 2022, there have been:
- More than 2,680 arrests
- Hundreds of kilos of Class A and B drugs seized with an estimated street value of several million pounds
- More than £1,645,000 seized in cash and assets – this has been reinvested into communities via participatory budget events and other schemes
- More than 195 offensive weapons seized
- Hundreds of vulnerable people safeguarded
Key work undertaken by Liverpool City Council in the last 12 months has included:
- Continuing to support the community through the Yew Tree and Dovecot Problem Solving Groups, bringing together partners and local residents to identify and address emerging issues
- Working collaboratively to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime while safeguarding vulnerable children, young people and residents
- Supporting initiatives that help make neighbourhoods safer places to live and work
- Creating opportunities for young people to thrive, make positive choices and reach their potential
- Continuing to work closely with Olivia’s Butterfly Foundation on improvements to ‘Olivia’s Triangle’. This has included securing support from Huyton Asphalt, which has provided tarmac works and an additional bench for the area and working with Liverpool City Council’s Lighting Team to install a permanent power supply to illuminate Olivia’s Tree at key milestones and anniversaries. Plans are progressing for the next phase of improvements, including the installation of outdoor floor games to create a welcoming space for local children and families to enjoy.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council said: “Everyone involved in EVOLVE is committed to tackling the root causes of serious violence, helping to ensure that residents can live their lives free from the fear of crime.
“By working together over the past four years, partners have made a real positive difference, through community projects, joint days of action, and early intervention work that gives young people opportunities and support to avoid becoming involved in crime.”
Key work undertaken by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council in the last 12 months has included:
- The establishment of a multi-agency partnership group to coordinate activity and deliver a comprehensive community safety response following escalating concerns relating to anti-social behaviour (ASB), criminality and substance misuse within Page Moss
- The partnership brings together representatives from Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Crime and Communities Team, Merseyside Youth Association (MYA), Merseyside Police, local retail park businesses, Knowsley College and a range of youth diversionary organisations. Through a coordinated approach, partners have been able to identify issues, share intelligence, and implement targeted interventions. Key activities delivered include:
- The application of a graduated ladder of intervention for young people identified through partnership working with Crime and Communities and Merseyside Police
- Joint mapping and identification of children and young people of concern in collaboration with Children’s Social Care and Youth Justice Services
- Ongoing consultation, engagement and support for residents affected by community safety issues
- Regular engagement and check-ins with businesses operating within the retail park to understand concerns and provide advice and support
- Community walkabouts to raise awareness of reporting mechanisms, increase visibility of partner agencies and promote available support services
- Delivery of detached youth work and targeted interventions aimed at engaging young people at risk of involvement in ASB and criminality
- School partnership days designed to raise aspirations, strengthen community connections and encourage positive participation among young people
- Regular open-access substance misuse awareness training facilitated by Change Grow Live (CGL), helping residents, professionals and partners better understand the risks and impacts of substance misuse.
- The response in Page Moss initially adopted a reactive approach to address immediate concerns. However, through effective partnership working and sustained intervention, the model has evolved into a proactive and preventative approach, focused on early intervention, community engagement and long-term problem solving.
Councillor Shelley Powell, Knowsley Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, added: “Since its launch the EVOLVE campaign has helped tackle serious and organised crime in Knowsley. We continue to work closely with our community safety partners to ensure people feel safe in our communities, without the fear of organised crime impacting their lives.
“As a Council we have been recognised for leading the way in our approach to tackling and preventing serious violence and organised crime. At the forefront of this approach is our Be the Change programme which, since its launch in 2024, has directly reached over 5,000 Knowsley residents.
“Be the Change is helping steer people away from those involved in serious and organised crime with an ethos of highlighting what people can be, rather than what they shouldn’t be, and encouraging them to fulfil their potential.
“You can watch more about Be the Change here.”
Watch the video of Joseph Robert’s Dear Merseyside video here.
You can also watch a sneak preview of the Dear Merseyside education resource here.
