Knife Crime Awareness Week, which starts today and runs through to May 25, aims to help support police forces across the UK in their ongoing battle against knife crime.

This year’s theme is Make Change Happen and the week-long initiative is being led by the knife crime prevention charity the Ben Kinsella Trust.
The Ben Kinsella Trust, was established by Brooke Kinsella MBE, and her parents Deborah and George, in memory of Ben, who was tragically murdered in a senseless knife attack in London in June 2008. He was just 16-years-old.

Brooke said: “Ben has now been gone from our lives longer than we ever had him. It’s been seventeen years since his murder and the pain never stops. He should be in the prime of his life. Through the Ben Kinsella Trust, our family has relentlessly pursued the goal of ending knife crime, but we know that we can’t do this alone. Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights the work that is being done to help tackle this and to ensure other families don’t experience the trauma and pain that we all went through. I’d encourage everyone to get involved, because we all have a role to play in stopping knife crime.”

The campaign is also being supported by Axon, a longstanding public safety partner to UK policing, the charity The St Giles Trust, the Home Office, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Throughout the week, a variety of events and initiatives will take place across the country, showcasing the diverse approaches being implemented to prevent knife crime, support victims, and educate young people. These activities will provide opportunities for professionals, parents, carers, teachers and youth workers to learn how they can contribute to meaningful change. For more information visit Knife Crime Awareness Week.

Knife Crime Awareness Week aims to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done by countless grassroots organisations and individuals. Many of these inspiring people have tragically lost loved ones to knife crime or have lived experience of its devastating impact. Through their resilience and a commitment to make change happen, they have channelled unimaginable pain into positive engagement with young people, helping countless individuals to lead safer and more positive lives.

It also serves as a crucial reminder that everyone has a role to play in addressing this complex issue. By fostering greater awareness, encouraging open conversations, and promoting community involvement, the week seeks to empower individuals to contribute to a safer society for all.

Among those supporting the campaign is Pooja Kanda, the mother of Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed in 2022 also at the age of just 16.

She said “Losing my son Ronan to knife crime has left an unimaginable void in our lives. Knife Crime Awareness Week is a crucial time to remember all those affected by this senseless violence. We must educate our young people about the devastating consequences and build a society where carrying a knife is never seen as an option. Let Ronan’s memory inspire us all to take action and build a safer, brighter future for every child.”