‘One Punch Ruins Lives’ delivered in East Riding Secondary Schools to educate young people

Friday, 10 July 2026

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has teamed up with local brain injury survivor Paul Spence to deliver ‘One Punch Ruins Lives’ presentations to secondary school pupils, as part of a new violence-prevention campaign.

Paul Spence, founder of Hull-based charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, has so far delivered talks in Hornsea, South Hunsley and Snaith Secondary Schools, to over 1000 pupils. 

The ‘One Punch Ruins Lives’ initiative aims to educate young people about the potential consequences of violence, offering age-appropriate advice on how to manage their behaviour and regulate their emotions. Paul’s presentation also gives practical tips for resolving conflict as well as information to support pupils to look after their brain health. 

Paul said: “It's a privilege to be able to share our life-saving message in every school across the region. 

“We’ve talked about the impact of violence and the importance of emotional intelligence. Every conversation matters. If just one young person walks away and makes a better decision in a moment of anger, then the message has made a difference.”

paul south hunsley june 26
PICTURE: South Hunsley School

Alongside the talks, every secondary school also receives copies of Paul’s ‘One Punch Ruins Lives’ books to enable further classroom-based discussion.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “This message is so important, and I’m pleased that so many of East Riding’s young people are having the opportunity to hear about Paul’s lived experience and will benefit from the awareness and practical tips he provides.”


paul snaith school
PICTURE: Snaith School

Read more about Paul’s violence prevention work here: One Punch Ruins Lives Campaign - Paul Talks

MAIN PICTURE: Hornsea Secondary School and Language College

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