FOOTBALL fans from across Tyne and Wear put football rivalry and scorelines to one side, to show their support for the region’s Knives Impact Everyone campaign.

Committed to fighting back against knife crime, local charities Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust were invited to the pitch ahead of kick off alongside Northumbria’s Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Violence Reduction Unit, to get their powerful anti-knife message in front of thousands of derby day fans.

As a result of this, the campaign received huge waves of support across social media with fan groups like Newcastle United Supporters Club and the Red and White Army who have proudly given their backing to the knife crime prevention cause.

In what was a moving moment in front of the crowds, the families held up campaign graphics showing emotionally charged phone screen shots of undelivered messages to illustrate heart-breaking reality of knife crime. The hard-hitting campaign also lit up digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during Saturday’s FA cup match, with the words “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying a knife or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It doesn’t get much bigger for the North East than a Tyne and Wear derby so to give the campaign this platform has felt a really momentous occasion. We’re so proud of football in our region and I’m proud of how the clubs are coming together to highlight how knife crime can impact so many lives. Getting in front of so many to highlight our campaign is a result in itself. I can’t thank the families of Samantha Madgin and Connor Brown enough. As well as the clubs for helping us bring plans to life, and of course the fans for joining us to champion this cause. Historic rivalry aside, hearing the crowds cheer backing this important work is what it’s all about.”

Greg Tomlinson, Chair, Newcastle United Supporters Trust: “There are some things that are more important than black and white or red and white believe it or not and this is one of them. The consequences of knife crime impact everyone, leaving mates without their friends and devastating families and communities. As football supporters, and as a community, we stand together to support this vital work against knife crime.”

Tanya Brown, the mother of knife victim Connor Brown – a football lover and proud Sunderland fan said: “We would like to add how much we appreciate being asked to be involved in this fantastic initiative. This is very close to our hearts as a family, and Connor was very passionate about football, as are many others. This opportunity gives us the ability to highlight the importance of the Knives Impact Everyone campaign in such a big way. We can reach so many more people raising the awareness of Knife Crime and the impact it has on everyone.”

The Knives Impact Everyone campaign was launched in 2023, by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, to highlight the devastating consequences carrying a knife can have, as well as sign-posting people to support and advice. As part of this work, Northumbria’s VRU funds projects at both Newcastle United Foundation and the Foundation Light, with the YOLO initiative aimed at steering young people away from knife crime, whilst also creating a range of opportunities and support to help young people make positive life choices away from crime.

Information about the campaign can be found here: Knives Impact Everyone – Northumbria PCC (northumbria-pcc.gov.uk)

Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light have joined forces to promote the Knives Impact Everyone campaign launched by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and local families who have lost loved ones to violence.

Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC, alongside their registered charities will be championing the impactful campaign across their social media channels, whilst hard-hitting messages will also feature on digital advertising stands at the Stadium of Light during the upcoming FA Cup derby match.

The Knives Impact Everyone campaign was launched in 2023, by Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, to highlight the devastating consequences carrying a knife can have, as well as sign-posting people to support and advice. As part of this work, Northumbria Police fund projects at both Newcastle United Foundation and the Foundation Light, with the YOLO initiative aimed at steering young people away from knife crime, whilst also creating a range of opportunities and support to help young people make positive life choices away from crime.

Through a range of emotionally charged graphics, undelivered messages show the heart-breaking reality of knife crime along with the words: “Knife crime cuts deep. Whether you’re carrying or you’re a victim of knife crime, the consequences impact everyone; family, friends, emergency services and communities.”

Backing the campaign, former Sunderland AFC Striker Kevin Phillips said: “Whatever your background, whatever your club, we have to unite on this so young people walk away from violence. We need to get in front of kids about the dangers and consequences of knives and we are supporting this campaign to do just that.”

Newcastle United Foundation Trustee and former player, Shola Ameobi, said: “Football is so powerful in this part of the world, and it means so much to people of all ages. Football can influence behaviour in young people and inspire them in so many different ways. I’ve seen first-hand for years the work that Newcastle United Foundation does in the community to make positive changes to the lives of those who need guidance and support. The power of the Newcastle United badge is really special to making a positive difference. The YOLO project alongside the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is made a significant impact to so many young people in the region and it is great to see the work continuing.”

Kim McGuinness said: “Our football clubs are at the heart of so much that is good about the North East, and it is great to see them setting aside rivalry off the pitch to come together and stand up to knife crime. We’re all proud of region, and this is a strong message that we, the clubs, the fans, the families, are determined to keep it a great place to live.”

The campaign was developed alongside school children from across the region, with the aim of making young people think before picking up a knife, by understanding the impact and consequences of their actions.

Upon launching the campaign, it received widespread support and was backed by Northumbria Police as well as Samantha’s Legacy and The Connor Brown Trust, who have sadly experienced the devastating consequences of knife crime first hand.

Through the popular 20-week YOLO programme delivered in both Foundations, young people are provided with a mentor and the chance to take part in one-to-one sessions, and engage in activities such as sport, music, art, social action projects, as well as tailored interventions to support them in making positive behaviour change and address their needs.

A ground-breaking project launched last December to make Sunderland city centre safer, more attractive and more vibrant has seen an 82 per cent drop in rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour in its first year.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED as the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit awards almost £16,000 to fund projects developed by young people, in a bid to tackle violent crime and improve feelings of safety in local communities.

The Local Youth Fund provides young people with a platform to voice their ideas for projects and activities that have a benefit to them and the areas they live in.

More than 4,600 young people have already benefited from nearly £30,000 handed out in previous rounds of the fund.

This latest round will see a further 600 young people get involved in projects they have developed themselves, and thanks to this fund, their ideas will now become a reality.

With the results now in, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is delighted to reveal the projects receiving a share of the funding:

• Acumen Community Group will offer after-school drop in sessions, creating a safe space for young people to socialise. During this time, they plan to work on projects that increase their peers’ awareness of the dangers associated with knife crime.
• Amble Youth Project will work on improving their youth café, where young people can learn how to cook healthy meals. The group are keen for this space to provide an alternative to congregating on the streets, where they spend time with friends, and learn how to keep themselves safe.
• Escape Intervention Group have put together an activities programme for their peers, including boxing classes, paddle boarding and go-karting. With access to these new opportunities, they feel it will improve their confidence and wellbeing.
• The Chess Project will hold sessions where young people can share their views and suggestions on ASB and violent crime with the various services responsible for keeping them safe, ensuring their voice is part of all decisions made in their community.
• Throckley Youth Group will arrange a football match that brings together young people and representatives from key services, with the aim of building relationships, breaking down barriers and providing an opportunity to start having conversations on topics such as knife crime and personal safety.
• Winlaton Youth Group will create a knife crime awareness campaign aimed at young people, featuring artwork to get their attention, and encouraging them to start talking about the dangers, as well as the importance of making good choices.

Thanks to the Violence Reduction Unit working closely with NE Youth, each application to the fund has been thoroughly reviewed by a panel of 12 young people, creating an opportunity to share their experiences and unique perspectives, whilst also gaining key skills for their future.

The panel said that there had been lots of good ideas put forward, making selecting the six winning applications a difficult task, and as projects now get underway, they are looking forward to providing mentoring support to their peers.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “The youth fund is one of many initiatives from the Violence Reduction Unit, that puts young people at the heart of its decision-making and gives them the chance to tell us how they think violent crime can be prevented – and they have done just that.”

“Young people often tell me that they want to be part of the solution when it comes to tackling violent crime, and this fund gives them a platform to voice their views and ideas – and I can’t think of a better way than just simply asking them what they want.”

“In previous rounds of this fund, young people have gained confidence, improved physical and mental health and got the chance to learn new skills. That’s why it makes it all the more important to keep giving them access to positive opportunities, where we can support them in making good choices.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has applied to this latest round; there have been some wonderful ideas.”

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: We were incredibly proud of the young people who participated in the panel discussions. They took their role and responsibilities very seriously to ensure that the funding was allocated appropriately. Well done to all successful applicants and good luck with your projects.

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website.

ENDS

A programme of targeted activity to prevent violent crime is underway across the region, following significant reductions of up to 37% from similar plans put in place during the summer months.

This activity resulted in areas of South Tyneside seeing the largest drop in serious violence following increased efforts to identify young people at risk, and engage them in diversionary activities to deter them from crime.

In Sunderland, additional resource provided an extra 300 hours of policing patrols to carry out dispersal orders, stop and searches and respond to safeguarding concerns to keep people safe.

Having already embedded this targeted approach in its strategy for driving down violent crime, the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit is working closely with Northumbria Police and the regions six Community Safety Partnerships, ensuring preventative measures are in place to make communities safer this winter.

The programme features a range of initiatives aimed at disrupting violent offenders and improving feelings of safety, including:

• Deploying uniformed police officers and community safety staff in targeted locations to increase visibility.
• Utilising enforcement action where needed such as arrests, dispersal orders and stop and searches.
• Taxi marshals in operation to increase public reassurance and reduce disorder.
• Diversionary activities to engage young people such as a range of sports initiatives to improve physical and mental health.

This increased action will be will be carried out throughout the winter period as everyone looks to enjoy the many events, nights out and festive celebrations that are set to take place in towns and cities across the region.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “This proactive initiative allows us to get ahead of problems by identifying and engaging with those at risk of violent crime. It also places a stark warning to offenders that we will not tolerate violence – and the best thing about this approach is that we know it works.”

“We have seen the significant impact it has made over the summer, but there is still so much more to do. That’s why the Violence Reduction Unit, Northumbria Police and our partners have expanded on this crucial work, by putting together a programme of targeted activity and support in areas of most need, to drive down winter violence.”

She added: “I’ve said it before, but I will say it again, violence does not belong in our communities. So, I hope that by seeing this work in action, it will provide some reassurance that we will continue to do all we can do tackle violent crime.”

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: “This is an excellent example of partners working collaboratively, and the significant reduction in violent crime over the summer is testament to the fact that this kind of proactive, preventative approach is effective.”

“Violent crime can have a devastating impact on victims, their families and our communities. We want everyone to feel safe in our borough so will continue to work alongside our partners to protect our residents and drive down crime.”

Funded through the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit’s Seasonal Violence Fund, this approach brings together a range of key partners including police, local authorities and youth organisations, working collaboratively to tackle violent crime and create safer communities.

For more information about the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, visit the website.

ENDS

The Local Youth Fund has returned, providing young people across the region with a platform to voice their views on how violent crime is tackled, by bidding for a share of the £16,000 fund.

This comes as Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness’s Violence Reduction Unit launched its Knives Impact Everyone campaign, highlighting the devastating consequences carrying a knife can have, as well as pointing young people to further information and support.

Now this exciting initiative provides an opportunity for young people to feel empowered to join the fight against violent crime by not only developing projects that matter to them, but those that will also have a positive impact on their local areas.

Nearly 4000 young people have already directly benefited from previous rounds of this fund, with a range of projects delivered to improve communities and ultimately make them feel safer thanks to almost £30,000 handed out.

For this new funding round, the Violence Reduction Unit have commissioned NE Youth to support with the delivery, and sees young people who attend their youth sessions recruited to form a panel, putting them at the forefront of the decision making process and giving a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills for their future.

With the fund now open, young people are once again encouraged to work with their local community groups and youth organisations to develop and submit their ideas for projects to prevent knife crime and increase feelings of safety in their communities.

When the fund closes on 13^th November 2023, the youth panel will take on the responsibility of assessing all bids put forward by young people and selecting one successful project per local authority area to receive a share of the funding.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “When it comes to tackling violent crime, young people have told us that they want to be part of the solution – and that’s why initiatives like this are so important as they provide a platform for them to be heard. No one should feel the need to carry a knife or bring violence to our local communities, which is why I want young people to tell me what actions they want to see happening, what would improve their local areas and what will make them feel safer.”

She added: “After consulting with young people across the region, the Violence Reduction Unit released the Knives Impact Everyone campaign, which helps us to continue getting important information to young people on the dangers, consequences and impact of carrying and using knives. This fund now goes that extra step further by giving young people the tools they need to develop their own projects and crucially provides access to positive opportunities that reduce their chances of becoming involved in violent crime. Together we can really make a difference in building safer communities for all.”

On behalf of the North East Youth Alliance, NE Youth Chief Executive Jon Niblo said: “We are delighted to be once again collaborating with the Violence Reduction Unit on this important fund for Young People. Young People continue to raise concerns about their own safety and this fund provides an opportunity to lead a project or activity that contributes towards making our communities safer.”

To apply for a share of the Local Youth Fund, visit the NE Youth website or for more information, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk