Knife crime continues to be a major issue in the UK, devastating families, tearing apart communities, and claiming the lives of young people far too soon. While the causes of knife crime are complex and multifaceted, ranging from gang involvement and social deprivation to peer pressure and lack of opportunity, there are many innovative community projects across the UK that are determined to turn the tide. These organisations understand the unique needs of their local communities, offering bespoke, proactive solutions that focus on education, prevention, rehabilitation, and support. Below, we take an in-depth look at several standout community projects that are making significant strides in tackling knife crime at its roots.
Founded in 2007, Lives Not Knives (LNK) started as a small campaign raising awareness about knife crime and its consequences. Over the years, it has grown into a leading organisation that works to prevent youth violence in Croydon, an area that has faced serious knife crime issues.
LNK’s approach to reducing knife crime centers on early intervention. The organisation engages directly with young people in schools, providing them with real-life stories and information about the risks and consequences of carrying knives. These school workshops aren’t merely informative; they aim to empower students to make better choices, fostering critical thinking and encouraging them to envision a future beyond violence.
A major aspect of LNK’s success is its ability to offer long-term support beyond workshops. The charity provides mentoring schemes, employment training, and apprenticeship opportunities. By addressing the root causes of knife crime—such as unemployment, social isolation, and lack of role models—LNK helps young people build confidence and skills that open up new possibilities for their future. Moreover, the organisation runs sessions for parents, offering guidance on how to protect their children from becoming involved in knife-related incidents. LNK understands that preventing knife crime is not just about focusing on the individual but also empowering families and communities to stay united in the fight against violence.
Knife crime has personal and far-reaching consequences, and The Ben Kinsella Trust was born out of such a tragic event. In 2008, Ben Kinsella, a 16-year-old boy from London, was stabbed to death in a senseless act of violence. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing such heartbreak, his family founded The Ben Kinsella Trust.
This charity is unique in its approach, using interactive exhibitions to educate young people about the devastating impact of knife crime. The exhibitions, located in both London and Nottingham, take visitors through a journey that starts with the victim's perspective and ends with the consequences faced by the perpetrator. These powerful, immersive experiences resonate deeply with young people, many of whom leave the exhibition with a new understanding of the importance of staying away from knife culture.
In addition to the exhibitions, The Ben Kinsella Trust runs anti-knife crime workshops across the UK, offering a space for young people to discuss their fears, pressures, and influences. These sessions challenge the myths and misconceptions around knife carrying, such as the idea that carrying a knife makes you safer. The Trust also works closely with schools, local authorities, and the police, helping to create a unified community approach to tackling knife crime.
The legacy of Ben Kinsella now lives on through the thousands of young people who have been touched by the Trust’s work, many of whom have chosen to become advocates for positive change in their own communities.
Streets of Growth is a lesser-known but highly impactful organisation based in East London. This group believes in building deep, trusting relationships with vulnerable young people, especially those who are already involved in or at risk of knife crime. Streets of Growth operates through street outreach, approaching young people where they feel comfortable—in their neighborhoods, on the streets, and in the places they frequent.
One of the most unique aspects of Streets of Growth’s work is its focus on transitional coaching, which provides continuous support as young people navigate significant life changes. These could be changes such as leaving a gang, returning to school, or pursuing a job. The organisation’s mentors work alongside these young people, offering tailored support that meets their emotional, mental, and physical needs. This personalised support system helps young people develop the confidence and resilience needed to move away from violence and into a positive future.
The charity's collaborative approach extends beyond young people; they work with families, schools, and local councils to create a multi-layered support system for every individual. By focusing on therapeutic interventions, Streets of Growth aims not only to stop violent behavior but to treat its root causes, from trauma and mental health issues to systemic exclusion.
Steel Warriors takes an innovative, symbolic approach to tackling knife crime by turning weapons of violence into something constructive. Founded in 2017, this project melts down knives confiscated by the police and transforms the steel into outdoor gyms. These free gyms, installed in various cities across the UK, provide a space where young people can build physical strength and confidence through fitness while staying off the streets.
The symbolic power of transforming knives into positive community assets is at the core of Steel Warriors’ mission. It sends a strong message that violence and destruction can be reformed into something constructive and beneficial. Steel Warriors doesn’t just stop at building gyms; they also provide fitness classes and mentorship programs that encourage young people to develop a healthy lifestyle and a sense of community.
The project is particularly effective because it engages young people in a way that feels natural to them—through fitness and peer interaction. The gyms act as safe spaces where young people can build relationships, share experiences, and develop positive habits. By keeping young people engaged and physically active, Steel Warriors is offering an alternative to street life and the dangers associated with knife carrying.
The GAV Project (Gangs and Violence) is a collaborative initiative based in Birmingham, working in partnership with West Midlands Police, local councils, and community groups. Their focus is on offering support to individuals affected by gang culture and knife crime, with an aim to provide long-term alternatives to a life of violence.
GAV’s approach is holistic and community-driven, offering a combination of street outreach, education, mental health support, and pathways to employment. Their mentors, many of whom have personal experience with gangs or violent crime, provide guidance and support to young people looking to leave a gang or avoid becoming involved in knife crime. These mentors help individuals by addressing the underlying issues—such as trauma, poverty, and lack of opportunity—that often lead to knife carrying.
The GAV Project also focuses on conflict resolution, working to de-escalate tensions between gangs or individuals before they result in violence. They are deeply embedded in the local community, working alongside schools, youth clubs, and law enforcement to tackle knife crime from multiple angles. Their multi-pronged approach allows them to address knife crime on a deeper level, building stronger, more resilient communities in the process.
The work being done by these organisations demonstrates the vital role that community-driven solutions play in the fight against knife crime. While national policies and police efforts are crucial, it is often these grassroots initiatives that have the most profound and lasting impact. By building trust, offering tailored support, and working hand-in-hand with local communities, these projects are giving young people a future free from violence.
Each of these projects highlights the importance of addressing knife crime through a combination of education, empowerment, and practical support. Whether it’s turning knives into outdoor gyms or offering one-on-one mentoring, these organisations are proving that innovative approaches can help break the cycle of violence.
If you're looking to support these initiatives or others like them, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteering your time, donating, or spreading the word about these incredible organisations can help them continue their essential work. By supporting these community projects, you're not only helping reduce knife crime—you're contributing to a safer, more hopeful future for everyone.
