Introductions Knife crime was chosen as the top priority topic for young people in Suffolk as a result of the Make Your Mark ballot in 2018. The aim of this session is to raise awareness about knife crime.

Make Your Mark ballot results, 2018 End Knife Crime and Mental Health Awareness are the top two topics in Suffolk!

40,000 incidents involving knifes nationally in 2018. 196, 897 people voted for ‘putting an end to knife crime’ during the 2018 make-your-mark campaign. If you use a knife, even in self defence, you can still be charged. End knife crime was top both locally and nationally in the 2108 campaign.

Walking Debate Objective: To explore attitudes in relation to knife carrying In a moment you are going to be shown a series of statements (label the sides of the room agree and disagree with paper sings). You should go to the corresponding side of the room to your opinion on each stamen. We will then have a short discussion abut people choices before we move on to the next slide. Once you have read a statement and the group have voted, ask people why they chose their position and open up a discussion. People can change sides during the discussion if they change their mind.

“It’s ok to use a knife as long as you use it for protection.” There is no ‘safe place’ to stab someone. A wound in the bum, arm or leg can still kill someone, and if a knife punctures an artery, you can bleed to death within five minutes. It is a criminal offence to have in a public place any item that has a blade including scissors and craft knives or anything that disguises a concealed knife. It is not legal to carry a knife for self-defence. If you are caught by police carrying a knife, even if it was for your protection or you were carrying it for someone else, you will be arrested and prosecuted. If you use a knife, even in self-defence, you could be charged with assault with intent, or even worse. You can go to prison even if you didn’t use the knife.

“People who carry knives are stupid.” The Youth Violence Commission found that there are no quick fixes to youth violence. The root causes of youth violence include: childhood trauma, undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues, inadequate state provision and deficient parental support, poverty and social inequality. Young men are at the highest risk of being involved in knife crime. A criminal record for knife use or possession can stop you from being accepted into college or university, and make it harder to get a job. Many countries will not let you in, such as the USA and Australia.

“I would never use a knife.” In the year ending March 2018, the police recorded 40,137 (selected) offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales. This is the highest number since the year ending March 2011.

“You need to carry a knife where I live.” If you carry a knife there is a much higher chance that you will get stabbed yourself, than if you don’t carry one.

“Some young people have to carry knives where they live” If you carry a knife there is a much higher chance that you will get stabbed yourself, than if you don’t carry one.

“You are safer if you carry a knife.” If you carry a knife there is a much higher chance that you will get stabbed yourself, than if you don’t carry one. Knife crime does not just affect ‘gang members’, trauma that comes with knife crime affects victims, families and bystanders too.

“I would tell someone if I knew my friend was carrying a knife.” Telling someone about a person you know to be knife carrying is not GRASSING. Knife carrying puts you at a greater danger of being stabbed. If you tell someone in order to prevent the possibility of a knife being used, you are being responsible and trying to save lives. You can always report someone knife carrying anonymously. You can report knife carrying to the following organisations and they will not ask you for a name. If you are really worried about the consequences of someone you know carrying a knife but are afraid they will think you are a grass and hurt you, then this is an option for you to seriously consider. Crimestoppers www.crimestoppers-uk.org 0800 555 111 Fearless www.fearless.org There are always people who can take over the responsibility or reporting knife carrying from you. They may also be able to offer advice and support to you and your group of friends. They might be able to help advise other professionals and services about what would help tackle knife carrying in the area – lighting, facilities, activities, street-work etc. If you have a good relationship with someone you suspect of knife carrying – try talking to them first and telling them why it is a bad idea. A friend shouldn’t think any worse of you if you try and talk them out of making a bad decision that could result in injury or death.

You can always report someone knife carrying anonymously Crimestoppers www.crimestoppers-uk.org 0800 555 111 Or Fearless www.fearless.org For more advice visit the dedicated page on The Source website: www.thesource.me.uk/endknifecrime Telling someone about a person you know to be knife carrying is not GRASSING. Knife carrying puts you at a greater danger of being stabbed. If you tell someone in order to prevent the possibility of a knife being used, you are being responsible and trying to save lives. You can always report someone knife carrying anonymously. You can report knife carrying to the following organisations and they will not ask you for a name. If you are really worried about the consequences of someone you know carrying a knife but are afraid they will think you are a grass and hurt you, then this is an option for you to seriously consider. Crimestoppers www.crimestoppers-uk.org 0800 555 111 Fearless www.fearless.org #ACTIONAGAINSTKNIFECRIME You could tell a trusted adult such as a teacher or a youth worker. There are always people who can take over the responsibility or reporting knife carrying from you. They may also be able to offer advice and support to you and your group of friends. They might be able to help advise other professionals and services about what would help tackle knife carrying in the area – lighting, facilities, activities, street-work etc. If you have a good relationship with someone you suspect of knife carrying – try talking to them first and telling them why it is a bad idea. A friend shouldn’t think any worse of you if you try and talk them out of making a bad decision that could result in injury or death.

Keep in touch @SuffolkUKYP on Facebook and Twitter www.thesource.me.uk/ukyp - contact your MYP or find out about UKYP in Suffolk www.thesource.me.uk/endknifecrime Register for Make Your Mark 2019

Next Steps… Remember to complete your positivity pledge and post it on your social media using the hashtag #ACTIONAGAINSTKNIFECRIME Stay engaged in the conversation by following us on our Facebook and Twitter @UKYP For more information about the campaign visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/campaigns