Bleed Kits

Knife Crime Awareness Week is a vital national campaign that highlights the devastating impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities. It reinforces the message that knife crime is a societal issue requiring collective responsibility and action.

This year’s theme, “Change Can Happen”, was led by the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week ran from 19–25 May and coincided with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) campaign Operation Sceptre, which brings police forces together to intensify efforts to detect, prevent and reduce knife-related violence.

Our Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) supported a range of activities designed to raise awareness, educate communities, and encourage collaboration to prevent knife-related harm.

B&NES VRP launched an anonymous survey targeting children and young adults, inviting them to share their experiences and views on knife crime. The findings will inform the commissioning and delivery of targeted interventions that reflect the needs and voices of local young people.

The University of Bristol coordinated a city-wide creative project, “Empty Shirts, Lost Childhoods”, involving over 150 young people aged 13 to 25. In partnership with schools and youth organisations, participants decorated white school shirts to express their emotions and call for change. The poignant artworks were exhibited at the Lord Mayor’s Chapel in Bristol, giving voice to young people’s hopes, fears and experiences.

Unique Voice facilitated an online event for professionals and media, centred on the powerful Safer Together film. Co-created with young people from three South Bristol schools and supported by CrimeStoppers, the film serves as an early intervention tool promoting empathy, hope and action. The event featured discussions with representatives from Oasis Academy John Williams, CrimeStoppers, and Avon and Somerset Police, exploring the film’s impact and future use.

Somerset VRP hosted knife-crime-focused pop-ups in schools and youth hubs throughout the week, providing information, advice and access to a youth survey. The feedback gathered will help shape future prevention work and ensure it reflects young people’s lived experiences.

In Taunton, the charity Stand Against Violence delivered a community workshop for students in Year 7 and above, along with parents and carers. The session explored the consequences of carrying or using knives and provided practical information and resources to take away and share.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College welcomed South Gloucestershire VRP and local police for a discussion on community safety, crime prevention and how to report concerns. A pop-up information stand offered resources, giveaways, and a chance for students to engage and ask questions.

Local police also played an active role during the week, conducting knife sweeps in parks and public spaces, increasing patrol visibility in targeted areas, engaging with retailers, and delivering educational sessions in schools.

The VRP commissions knife crime prevention activities year-round. This includes raising awareness among young people and youth professionals, promoting reporting channels, and supporting initiatives like the Avon and Somerset Bleed Kits and permanent Knife Surrender bins across the region.

Together, we can be the change and work towards a safer future for everyone.