A total of £80,000-worth of funding has been shared between organisations to host projects aimed at reducing knife-enabled crime.
The funding, awarded through the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), aims to prevent serious violence and improve the feeling of safety in communities.
Charities and voluntary community sector organisations could apply for one-off grants of up to £25,000 as part of the Knife Crime Action Fund.
Billingham Boxing Academy received £17,120 to build on its 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.
Resources and support are also provided to parents and families of those taking part in the scheme.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey visited the club along with young person Alexus Wood – who represented the ‘youth voice’ during the decision-making panel process.
Matt said: “This is an exciting time for CURV as they continue to build on their work to reduce serious violence across Cleveland.
“Youth violence continues to be a significant concern for us, with hospital admissions relating to knife-crime remaining high.
“It is therefore, paramount that we highlight the need for continued, sustained, coordinated action to protect young people and communities from harm through the Knife Crime Action Fund.
“The creativity and passion demonstrated by Billingham Boxing Academy and all the other applicants has been remarkable – the selection process was incredibly tough.
“It’s fantastic to see the boxing club in action and the difference it is making to so many lives across Cleveland. I look forward to meeting and supporting all the other Knife Crime Action Fund recipients in the future in their quest to reduce knife crime and the harm it causes.”
Successful Schemes
Successful applicants had to deliver against 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.
CURV sits within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It is one of 20 violence reduction units across the UK committed to reducing – and ultimately preventing – serious violence.
It focuses on developing interventions to prevent violent crime before it occurs, analysing data on the root causes of violence and bringing agencies together in multi-agency partnerships.
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
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.
Projects will run from July 2025 until March 31, 2026.