Knife crime has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland (OPCC) is 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.
The resources aim to promote understanding around the risks of knife crime. They also provide support for those affected, and encourage 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 of 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 at risk of carrying or using a knife – Brave Space – Knife Crime Toolkit
- British Red Cross: Teaching Resources on Knife Crime. The site offers lesson plans and activities. They 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): A Scottish Government initiative launched in 2009. It has been working with a range of local partners to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying knives. It also promotes 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. It was developed 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 police forces and educational bodies, the initiative uses 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. It aims to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of carrying knives. It features a short animation showing a teenager’s involvement in knife crime. The film 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. It aims 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
- A Guide for Parents and Carers on Knife Harm: Facts to help you feel more confident when talking to your child about knife harm, as well as practical help, guidance and where to find support from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire VRU – A Guide for Parents and Carers on Knife Harm
- Anti Knife Crime Gloves Up Knives Down: The song promotes a positive message, encouraging young people to get involved in sports like boxing as a way to stay away from violence. It’s a great example of using music to engage and inspire. Produced by Kelso Simon, a youth advocate working with Leicester City Council as part of the Gloves Up Knives Down campaign. – Rob Sparx & Upriza – ‘Crazy Youth’ [OFFICIAL]
Helplines & Support Networks
- Crimestoppers: The charity lets people report information about crime to anonymously, Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers
- Fearless: An anonymous site for young people to report crime. They can also 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. It offers support on a 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 Programmes
- 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 at risk of getting involved in crime, including knife violence – The King’s Trust | Confidence, courses, careers
Additional Resources
- Knife Crime Awareness Week: Information about national campaigns like Knife Crime Awareness Week. They help to raise awareness and encourage policy change – Knife Crime Awareness Week
- Youth Endowment Fund: Supports programmes which aim to prevent youth violence, including knife crime. The fund also evaluates what works best to improve safety and support for young people – Knife crime | Youth Endowment Fund