Knife crime in England and Wales has reached epidemic levels, deeply affecting families and communities. According to the Office for National Statistics, knife-related offenses in England and Wales have seen an 80% increase over the past decade, with a recent 4% rise in just the last 12 months. Last year, police recorded 50,973 offenses involving a knife or sharp instrument. In London alone, Knife offenses rose to approximately 15,016 in 2023/24, compared with 12,786 in the previous year.
Every year, more lives are lost, more families are shattered, and our streets feel less safe. Take for example, the case of two 12-year-old boys who became the youngest convicted knife murderers in the UK after taking the life of a 19-year-old in a tragic attack in Wolverhampton. Another recent case is of an 18-year-old who killed three young girls, all under the age of 10, in a knife attack in Southport. Stories like these illustrate how serious and prevalent this crisis has become. Each life is precious, and we must work together to protect them.
The Lives Not Knives Walk is an initiative to raise awareness and build unity within our community. However, awareness, is just the first step; we also need action. That’s why we keep our doors open every day, 365 days a year, to empower individuals to make positive choices. We work closely with young people, to provide guidance, support, and opportunities that steer them away from violence.
Every step taken matters, and if we can change just one mindset, it’s a start. Together, we stand against this epidemic of violence, paving the way towards a safer and more united future.
On Saturday, 23rd November at 10:30am. The Victory Youth Group (VYG) will walk together from the UCKG Peckham, 176 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4NF, to Windrush Square, Brixton, Effra Road, London, SW2 1JQ.
Put on comfortable shoes, grab your Lives Not Knives beanie—available for £10 at your nearest Universal Church—and bring your determination to make a difference. Together, we can show our support for Lives Not Knives.
For more information, please call us on 020 7686 6000 or send a WhatsApp message to 020 7686 6010.
Event: Lives Not Knives Walk
Date and time: Saturday 23rd November starting at 10:30am
Route: Begin at UCKG Peckham, 176 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4NF, and end at Windrush Square, Brixton, Effra Road, London, SW2 1JQ.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/864736/knife-crime-in-london/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05zpdq0lzgo
