Breaking the Cycle

Knife crime can have a devastating impact on those affected, their friends, families, and communities.​

We do not currently have high levels of knife crime in the Humber region. However, like in other areas, it has been growing over the past decade.

Through social media and other influences, young people see stories of knives and sharp objects being carried and used.​ This can lead them to believe that they should also carry a knife for protection – when in reality, carrying a knife puts them at greater risk of getting hurt.

That is why our campaign is focused on Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Knife Crime Together. By being more informed as professionals, teachers and carers, we can promote safety and empathy instead of fear. This involves myth busting, particularly in dispelling misconceptions about knives and weapons.

The below materials were developed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to talk to young people about knife crime. Keep reading to access our:

• Video featuring personal and professional accounts of people impacted by knife violence
• Learning resources aimed at young people
• Downloadable workbook and slides for practitioners
• Information on Humberside Police's knife amnesty and 'What's the Point?' campaign

Together, we can break the cycle of knife crime and help create safer communities.

If you, or anyone you know, struggles with these subjects, please visit our help and support page. Contact the police on 101 if you are concerned about serious violence, have information or need to report an incident. In case of an emergency, call 999.

Personal and Professional Stories

This video is intended for training purposes only and was designed for individuals working with young people.

The footage features first-hand accounts from those deeply impacted by knife crime. From professionals on the frontline to family members who've experienced its devastating consequences, their stories are a reminder of the real-life impact of carrying and using knives. The messages also emphasise the importance of education and community support in creating a safer future for younger generations.

A special thanks to Northern Visuals for capturing these powerful interviews.

Please note that the video includes discussions of knife crime, which may be upsetting for some viewers.

Learning Resources for Young People

Developed by Not In Our Community, this educational package shows young people how to spot the warning signs amongst friends, facts about weapons and knives, and where to get help.

Aimed at those who want to address misconceptions and myths about carrying knives with young people, the resources include lesson plans, presentations, and worksheets.

The videos, discussion points, and role play exercises encourage young people to consider why someone might carry a knife, rather than inducing fear that knives are everywhere.

Not In Our Community co-produces their resources with youth advisors in the Humber area to help protect the younger population against crime.

Training for Practitioners

These tools aim to help practitioners have meaningful conversations with young people about knife crime. They contain information on the law regarding knives and offensive weapons, along with activities to help you prepare for a workshop led by a facilitator (either online or in person).

The documents are available free of charge and are not to be used for commercial purposes.

National Knife Amnesty Scheme

Humberside Police is supporting the national campaign to tackle knife crime, known as #Sceptre

From the 11 to 17 November 2024, there will be opportunity to surrender any knives, bladed weapons, and offensive weapons into police stations across the Humber region.

Following legislation brought in on the 14 July 2021, it is illegal to own certain items including knuckle dusters, zombie knives, and throwing stars – even within a private dwelling.

Knife bins will be placed outside of the following stations: Goole, Bridlington, Grimsby, Barton, Pocklington, Clough Road, Osborne Street, Beverley, and Scunthorpe.

People can take a knife, or other weapon, to any of the mentioned stations and simply deposit it in the knife bin. There will be no questions asked and no forms to complete. No-one should need to make any record of you being there.

Humberside Police's Campaign

In the lead up to #Sceptre, Humberside Police is running a campaign encouraging people to consider the impacts of knife crime and to surrender weapons. 

The What's the Point? campaign emphasises the far-reaching consequences of knife crime and highlights how one knife impacts more than one life.

Further Resources

Are you interested in learning more about knife crime? Here are some useful resources:

• The Office for National Statistics | The nature of violent crime in England and Wales (year ending March 2020)
• Ofsted | Safeguarding children and young people in education from knife crime
• BBC documentary | 'Guilty by Association'
• The Ben Kinsella Trust | A charity that tackles knife crime through education and campaigning
• UK Legislation | HM Government
• Crown Prosecution Service | Offensive Weapons, Knives, Bladed and Pointed Articles

More Information

For more information on Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Knife Crime Together, please email us using the button below.

You can view our other campaigns here.