Empowering Teenagers & Young Adults
Knife crime and youth violence have become prevalent issues affecting London and its surrounding areas. This escalating crisis contributes to a culture of fear and anxiety, particularly among young people. Recent statistics from January 2023 to the present highlight a disturbing rise in knife-related incidents, with individuals aged 13-25 being significantly affected.
London alone has accounted for almost a third (32%) of all stop and searches in England and Wales, with the Metropolitan Police reporting a 20% increase in knife/sharp object offenses, with roughly 3,000 incidents recorded this year, up from 2,500 in the previous period. Tragically, this period saw the loss of 30 young lives to knife violence.
282 Murders
in Year Ending 2022
Nearly half of victims are
Under 25,
75% are male
50% of offenders under 25
90% are male.
Policing & Community Safety
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The UK Government has responded by enhancing police powers and introducing Knife Crime Prevention Orders. These orders:
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Apply to any person aged 12 or over suspected of carrying a knife or convicted of a knife-related offense.
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Can impose curfews, geographical boundaries, or social media restrictions.
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Can result in a prison sentence of up to two years if breached.
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However, we find that these measures often lead to stigmatisation and stereotyping of young people, rather than addressing the root causes of violence. The focus on punitive actions has proven ineffective, as it fails to tackle underlying issues such as lack of education, poverty, and limited opportunities. Instead of encouraging trust and cooperation, this approach alienates young people, making them feel targeted rather than supported. We believe that what is needed is a comprehensive strategy that includes preventive education, community engagement, and support services that address the real challenges faced by at-risk young people; and by building trust and providing positive alternatives, we can create safer communities and reduce the incidence of knife crime.​
Introducing
#UNTIMELY
#UNTIMELY is our dedicated anti-knife crime and youth violence campaign. Our mission is to reduce the aforementioned alarming statistics by empowering young people and providing them with the necessary support and resources to make positive impacts in their communities. At Youth PWR, we harness the creativity and energy of younger generations to drive social change and address critical societal issues.
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The #UNTIMELY project focuses on delivering engaging and educational workshops around knife crime and youth violence, including associated subjects such as county lines and grooming. These workshops are particularly targeted at schools and colleges, aiming to educate and empower students. Our programme includes:
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Interactive Workshops: Sessions that educate young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime and gang involvement.
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Guest Speakers: Talks from individuals who have experienced knife crime firsthand, including victims, former gang members, and law enforcement officials.
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Skills Development: Practical activities that help participants develop skills and confidence to avoid gang involvement and violence.
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Support Networks: Creating a support system within schools to help at-risk students find positive pathways.
How You Can Support​
We aim to raise awareness of these pressing issues and provide a platform for young people to voice their concerns and showcase their skills and aspirations. Our projects focus on creating environments of growth, safety, and peace, and we call on the community to join us in this effort by:
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Donating: Your contributions help us sustain and expand our initiatives. You can donate here.
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Volunteering: Offer your time and skills to support our workshops and events.
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Advocating: Spread the word about our campaign and the importance of addressing knife crime.
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Promoting: Help us reach a wider audience through your networks and platforms.
Educational Institutions...​
We are particularly keen to collaborate with schools and colleges across London and surrounding areas. Our engaging and educational workshops cover the social issues of youth crime, county lines, grooming, and more. If you are an educational institution interested in our programme, please get in touch to arrange a visit. Together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for our young people.
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For more information or to schedule a workshop, please contact us at contact@youthpwr.org
