STOP & REACH SUPPORTING Windrush Event in Manchester

As the Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention project, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, nears its end, we celebrate its success at two Windrush Events. These events were led by our collaborative organisation, Jet Black Academy. They brought together MAV UK volunteers and provided young people from Trinity High School and Holy Name Primary School with opportunities to engage in positive activities.

Windrush Event 23rd June 2025 at Everyman Cinema Manchester

Celebrating Success

The Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention project has engaged over 270 young people in the past 18 months. However, we faced challenges at the beginning of 2025 due to the sad loss of the Mother Against Violence founder, Patsy McKie. Despite this, our team of support staff and volunteers continued to engage schools and young people in the area, albeit at a slower pace.

MAV UK would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the numerous schools and supporting groups involved. Our Chairperson will personally deliver these messages of gratitude.

A message from a young person that captures the ethos of Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention

Addressing Knife Crime Concerns

One of the key aspects of the project was to support young people and families in managing issues related to knife crime. This has become a growing concern for many parents in our local area.

Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention is an intervention that includes working with referred young people and their families. This work sometimes involves employment support, as evidence shows that increasing family income in a pro-social way can lead to improved behaviours in young people.

Comprehensive Support System

Part of our work involved direct engagement with schools and police, supporting young people affected by an offending history. The cost of the intervention per person includes additional support provided by therapeutic services and MAV workshop presentations in schools and at Hulme Centre Hall.

This support can also include Team Around the Child (TAC) or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) meetings when required. Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention is a multi-systemic intervention service aimed at engaging young people, their families, and agencies surrounding them.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Community engagement plays a vital role in the success of the Stop & Reach project. By fostering relationships between young people and local organisations, we create a supportive environment. This environment encourages positive behaviours and reduces the risk of involvement in knife crime.

Future Steps

As we look to the future, our commitment to the community remains strong. We will continue to work with schools, families, and local organisations to ensure that young people receive the support they need.

We believe that by addressing the root causes of knife crime, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Our ongoing efforts will focus on building resilience among young people and empowering families to thrive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Stop & Reach Knife Crime Prevention project has made significant strides in addressing the issue of knife crime in our community. The support from the National Lottery Community Fund and the dedication of our volunteers have been instrumental in our success.

We are grateful for the partnerships we have formed and the lives we have touched. Together, we can continue to make a difference and ensure a brighter future for our young people.

For more information about our initiatives, please visit our website.