The CURV Knife Crime Action Fund supports local charitable and voluntary sector organisations to deliver impactful, community-based interventions that help prevent violent crime.
This funding opportunity is designed to help organisations reduce knife crime amongst young people.
One-off grants of up £25,000 have been distributed to organisations across Cleveland that demonstrate a contribution to at least one of the following aims:
- Raising awareness of the consequences of carrying or using a knife
- Empowering young people to make safer, more informed choices
- Equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to act if they know someone is carrying a knife
- Support for parents and families to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and increase awareness of the risks associated with knife crime
A total of £80,000-worth of funding has been awarded through the Knife Crime Action Fund with projects running until March 2026. The funding is part of CURV’s Knife Crime Action Plan – a multi-agency strategy to tackle knife crime and serious violence through prevention, early intervention and community action.
Full list of successful Knife Crime Fund projects:
Billingham Boxing Academy (£17,120) The club will continue to deliver their Cleveland-wide knife crime prevention programme. This involves trained local coaches running trauma-informed sessions twice a week. They include physical activity, real life scenarios, interactive learning, and hot meals to any vulnerable young participants.
ARC Stockton (£12,350) A dynamic, trauma-informed schools initiative. It uses live, interactive performance and creative workshops to raise awareness of knife crime.
MFC Foundation (£14,000) The foundation will deliver a targeted knife crime education programme in a number of schools. They will take place in high-risk areas within Cleveland, focusing on raising awareness through interactive workshops.
Education Training Collective (£7,440) A college-based knife crime education programme. It will involve guest speakers and VR technology. The programme will allow students to explore decision-making and consequences of using a knife.
St John Ambulance (£14,242.25) The programme will deliver Young Responders Street First Aid workshops to young people and families. There will be a focus on knife crime hotspots. Sessions will teach lifesaving skills, promote mental wellbeing, and encourage safer choices.
Budo for Change (£13,560) A nine-week youth targeted intervention. It offers combat sports classes, school-based workshops, holiday sessions, community events, and mentoring for vulnerable people. Topics include discipline, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and goal setting.