Knife Crime Awareness: Keeping Young People Safe

Knife crime among young people is a growing concern in the UK, with recent statistics highlighting the urgency of tackling this issue. In the year ending March 2023, police in England and Wales recorded over 50,000 knife-related offences, with a significant proportion involving young people. Furthermore, data from the Office for National Statistics shows that nearly one in five (19%) of all homicide victims in 2023 were under the age of 18. Alarmingly, the Youth Endowment Fund  reported that 507 children were treated in English hospitals for knife-related injuries in the 12 months leading to April 2024. In addition, the National Crime Agency estimates that 46,000 children and young people in England are involved in gang activity, often linked to violent crime and knife-related incidents.

With knife crime impacting not only victims but entire communities, educators play a crucial role in prevention and early intervention. This one-hour interactive workshop is designed for teachers, school leaders, and training providers across all education levels, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support young people at risk. By adopting a whole-education approach, participants will explore how to create safer learning environments and contribute to wider community efforts in tackling youth violence.

Key learning objectives:

• Understand the drivers of knife crime: unpack the social, economic, and psychological factors that push young people towards knife-related violence.
• Recognise the impact of trauma: examine how trauma influences behaviour, decision-making, and engagement in education.
• Develop trauma-informed approaches: learn to identify stress responses and provide appropriate support to young people at risk.
• Implement positive support strategies: explore evidence-based interventions that build resilience, reduce fear, and create pathways away from violence.
• Enhance communication skills: gain tools for discussing sensitive topics like knife crime with young people, fostering trust and open dialogue.
• Access valuable resources: discover key organisations, initiatives, and resources available to help schools and colleges address knife crime effectively.

This session is essential for any educator looking to understand, prevent, and respond to the growing issue of knife crime and youth violence. Join us in creating safer spaces for young people and equipping them with the tools to make positive choices. The session is delivered by The Ben Kinsella Trust.