The number of young people carrying knives is increasing and Lambeth Youth Offending Team have chosen to tackle the problem with an education programme run by volunteers who see the effects of knife crime in their paid employment. The scheme started in late 2004 and is intended to show young people the effects of carrying knives and the consequences it can have on them and their lives.
The scheme consists of three weekly sessions which 6-8 young people who have been charged with knife crimes are required to attend as part of their Community Sentence Order. Each session focuses on different aspects of knife crime which include
- The consequences of having a criminal record
- The health effects of less serious injuries, such as damage to hands, leading to inability to perform everyday tasks
- The health effects of serious knife injuries such as loss of blood, unconsciousness and death
- How to protect yourself without carrying a knife or other weapon
Volunteers are from a range of settings where knife crime is relevant to their work, so include
- Accident and Emergency Nurse
- Solicitor from the Crown Prosecution Service
- Detective Chief Inspector concerned with murder enquiries
They were recruited through requests to relevant employers and volunteer for the scheme because they can see the impact it could have in their workplace. Lambeth Youth Offending Team would also like to recruit to the scheme someone who had been involved in knife crimes who would be prepared to talk about the effect carrying a knife has had on their life.
As the scheme is still relatively new there has been no formal evaluation. However more than 40? Young people have taken part in the scheme and early indications are that the scheme has had a positive effect in persuading them to change their behaviour.
Further information from:
PC Nigel Smith
Tel: 020 7926 2604
NSmith2@lambeth.gov.uk
