MAV UK: Empowering Youth Through the STOP & REACH Knife Crime Prevention Project

A Year of Positive Change

MAV UK has completed another successful year of STOP & REACH Knife Crime Prevention support activities. The project aims to ensure that young people of all ages have access to pro-social activities throughout the week and over the weekend. Thanks to partnerships with Jet Black Academy, 42nd Street Youth Service, Dayna’s Kitchen, and Art Therapist Olatunde, MAV UK has developed innovative ideas that encourage creativity and skill development. These initiatives foster spaces for young people to engage with one another, promoting positive change in their lives.

Arts & Crafts Day: A Creative Experience

Arts & Crafts Day

Our Arts & Crafts Day was bursting with imagination and expression! Young participants explored various activities, from self-portrait art that delves into identity to dry clay creations. A vibrant teen-led anime art table allowed young people to take the lead in shaping a joyful, creative space. In this special arts workshop with Art Therapist Olatunde, participants engaged in healing, identity, and emotional expression through gentle mark-making. The results—a collection of expressive, colorful artworks—provided a glimpse into personal journeys and shared reflections.

Culinary Exploration with Dayna’s Kitchen

Wearing her signature apron and a warm smile, Dayna from Dayna’s Kitchen led a hands-on vegan cooking workshop. Participants learned to make a simple yet flavorful chickpea curry that is both nutritious and affordable. This session was about more than simply cooking; it was a platform for sharing knowledge, building confidence, and exploring accessible plant-based living.

Dayna from Dayna’s Kitchen

Focus on Mental Health

MAV UK has centered its direct services on improving the mental health of young people and their families. Over 120 therapy sessions have been accessed by young individuals, showing a strong community need. We have implemented 78 different interventions for parents and introduced therapy options that include trauma-based EMDR therapy, as well as Mindfulness and Movement with Amina, an inclusive workshop catering to people of all abilities.

Movement & Mindfulness with Amina

Building Confidence and Reducing Fear

Young people have reported feeling safer in environments where they are surrounded by peers. This increase in safety has reduced the perceived need to carry weapons. Participants have also expressed how these experiences contribute to their overall health and fitness, allowing them to access a wider range of pro-social activities.

Parents have provided encouraging feedback. They noted that having their children in a safe, nurturing environment for a few hours each week has led to improved home conditions. This has reduced conflicts and created spaces for better communication within families.

Future Initiatives and Development

MAV UK is committed to using the lessons learned from the STOP & REACH Knife Crime Prevention Project to improve training for staff and volunteers. In the next 18 months, we plan to enhance facilities at Hulme Hall, including reducing water waste in toilets and expanding outside areas with modular buildings. These changes will create more space for activities and therapy sessions, further enriching the lives of young people.

The support for our initiatives has been bolstered by funding from the National Lottery. This opportunity allows us to continue expanding our programs and impact.

At MAV UK, we believe in the power of community and the importance of providing safe spaces for youth development. Through creative activities, nurturing workshops, and focused mental health support, we are paving the way for a brighter future. To learn more about our programs, visit us at MAV UK.