As we mark Knife Crime Awareness Week, we are reminded of the critical importance of this initiative. Knife crime continues to be a growing concern across the UK, affecting countless lives and tearing apart the fabric of our communities. Behind each statistic, there is a human being with a hijacked dream and a hope for a better life. These statistics represent real people, families, and communities experiencing profound loss, trauma and fear.
This week is not just about raising awareness but also about fostering a collective effort to address the alarming rise in knife-related incidents across our communities. At Initiatives of Change we believe that each one of us can play our part. With our Sustainable Communities Programme we have been playing our part through solid partnership and collaboration with Brunel University’s Global Challenges BSc faculty. For the last four years, third year students been working very hard with our team to conduct primary and secondary research, deliver dialogue across different communities affected by knife and host high level, key stakeholder roundtables in parliament. These engagements have shown us the power of resilient communities. By coming together—grassroots, law enforcement, policymakers, and community leaders—we can create effective strategies and provide support to those in need.
Our commitment is the foundation upon which we will build a safer and more cohesive society. We would love to play our collective part with you through collaboration and partnership (amina.khalid@iofc.org.uk). Our success lies in the power of collective action. When we unite as a community, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. By working together, sharing resources, and supporting each other, we can create an environment where knife crime has no place in our society.
This week is a time for reflection, education and action. As we move forward, let us carry the lessons of this week in our hearts. Together, we can work towards a safer future, where our youths and communities thrive free from the fear of violence. We must engage our youths towards a path of purpose, opportunities and hope.
Written by Amina Khalid, Head of the Sustainable Communities Programme.
You can read more about Sustainable Communities work and commitment towards tackling knife crime in the articles below.
Stone Soup Academy Stands Up to Knife Crime
A Parliament Roundtable Addressing Knife Crime
Amina Khalid, Head of Initiatives of Change UK’s Sustainable Communities Programme
Chair of IofC UK, MP Mike Kane & Amina Khalid (seated centre) pictured after a roundtable with Brunel University students and key stakeholders.
Amina Khalid at Stone Soup Academy's Stand Up to Knife Crime annual event in July 2023. Stone Soup Academy is an Alternative Provision Free School Academy based in Nottingham. Many of the students have been directly impacted by the issues that arise from knife crime