Recent knife attacks involving young people across the UK have once again highlighted the devastating impact of knife crime on families, schools and communities. These incidents are a stark reminder that prevention and early intervention must sit at the heart of how we protect young people.
The Government has announced that every young person caught carrying a knife will receive mandatory, tailored support through Youth Justice Services – a shift toward addressing the root causes of behaviour rather than relying only on punishment. As a charity whose work is built around intervention and prevention, we welcome and support this change.
Mark Brindley, Trustee said “This is fantastic news, especially in the light of the recent and sickening spate of knife attacks, but we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that, professional targeted support for parents and carers must also play a vital role in preventing violence and harm in our communities.”
Our approach mirrors the Government’s intent. Since launching the charity in 2018, we’ve delivered our ‘Full Circle’ Programme – a community-led, multi-disciplinary model designed to educate and divert young people away from harmful behaviours and towards positive opportunities. Working independently and in partnership, the ‘Full Circle’ Programme brings together professionals from youth services, safeguarding, education, health, mentoring and emergency services to provide:
- Early identification of risk
- Structured mentoring and positive role models
- Family and parenting support
- Education and employability guidance
- Trauma-informed interventions
- Partnership working with schools, police and local services
David Miller, Trustee, said: “Knife crime cannot be addressed by enforcement alone. It requires trusted relationships, consistent professional support, and coordinated community action. Our ‘Full Circle’ Programme shows that when young people are given the right guidance, accountability and opportunity at the right time, lives can be redirected and communities become safer.”
Yesterday’s announcement is backed by a first-of-its-kind three-year funding package for Youth Justice Services – over £320 million – giving services greater certainty to invest in longer-term programmes and reach more young people.
There is good evidence from government statistics that this approach works: more than 90% of children who take part in prevention schemes avoid further police cautions or court proceedings. Evidence from our own work in the West Midlands supports this.
As a Foundation, we remain committed to working with schools, statutory partners and local services so that prevention, support and early help are available to every young person who needs them. If you’d like to learn more about our Full Circle Programme or get involved, please get in touch.
