Knife crime has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. At the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, we are committed to supporting effective prevention, early intervention and community safety.
Below are a range of resources designed to help young people, parents, educators, and community leaders understand the risks of knife crime, support those affected, and take action to keep our communities safe.
Whether you’re looking for educational materials, support services, or practical advice, the tools on this page aim to inform, empower and drive positive change.
Educational Materials
- The Ben Kinsella Trust: Offers workshops, resources and information to raise awareness about knife crime – The Ben Kinsella Trust | Knife Crime Prevention Charity
- Brave Space – Knife Crime Toolkit: This toolkit is designed for professionals to use with children and young people who are at risk of carrying or using a knife – Brave Space – Knife Crime Toolkit
- British Red Cross: Teaching Resources on Knife Crime: Offers lesson plans and activities that discuss aspects of knife crime, conflict resolution and first aid for heavy bleeding - British Red Cross teaching resources:Increase in knife crime
- No Knives Better Lives (NKBL): No Knives, Better Lives (NKBL) is Scottish Government initiative launched in 2009 and has been working with a range of local partners to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and promote positive life choices to young people – Home – NKBL
- Live Safe – Knife Crime advice & support: Learn the facts about UK knife crime and how it can impact your life, plus get support on how to stay away and live safely – Making our community a safe place to live – LiveSafe
- ‘No More Knives’: An educational initiative developed by author Christina Gabbitas in collaboration with the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside. It provides an online digital story resource aimed at educating young people about the dangers of knife crime and exploitation. Endorsed by various police forces and educational bodies, the initiative utilizes storytelling to effectively engage and inform – No More Knife Crime |
- Cleveland Police – Carrying a Blade Doesn’t Give You an Edge Campaign: Launched by Cleveland Police, this campaign targets young people aged 11 to 24, aiming to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of carrying knives. It features a short animation depicting a teenager’s involvement in knife crime and emphasizes the support available for those feeling coerced into carrying blades – Carrying a blade doesn’t give you an edge | Cleveland Police
- Pol-Ed: An education programme developed by West Yorkshire Police, written by teachers for teachers in schools across West Yorkshire. Its purpose is to keep children safe by enhancing their understanding of risks, consequences and the law, while fostering resilience and peer support – A positive force in education | Pol-Ed – A positive force in education
Helplines & Support Networks
- Crimestoppers: A charity that allows people to anonymously report information about crime, including knife crime – Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
- Fearless: An anonymous site for young people to report crime and get advice on a range of issues, including knife crime – Give information about crime 100% anonymously | Fearless | Crimestoppers
- Childline: A free, confidential helpline and online service for children and young people. They offer support on a wide range of issues, including worries about knife crime, safety, and peer pressure – Childline | Childline
- NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): Offers support and advice for adults and professionals concerned about a child’s safety. They provide information on how to protect young people from violence, including knife crime – NSPCC | The UK children’s charity | NSPCC
Community Programs
- Neighbourhood Watch: A nationwide initiative dedicated to crime prevention, including knife crime – Talking to young people | Neighbourhood Watch Network
- The Prince’s Trust: Provides support for young people who are at risk of getting involved in crime, including those at risk of knife violence – The King’s Trust | Confidence, courses, careers
Additional Resources
- Knife Crime Awareness Week: Information about national campaigns like “Knife Crime Awareness Week” that could help raise awareness and encourage policy change – Knife Crime Awareness Week
- Youth Endowment Fund: Supports programmes that aim to prevent youth violence, including knife crime. They also evaluate what works best to help improve safety and support for young people – Knife crime | Youth Endowment Fund