London: Stand together to tackle knife crime

Join Caritas Westminster and the Justice & Peace team of Tollington Park RC Parish for an important free online discussion on knife crime. Open to parishes, schools, young people, families, and the wider community, this forum will explore how we can raise awareness, support young people, and take action locally.

This event has grown out of ongoing concern and engagement with the issue of knife crime within the Diocese, including work by the Justice & Peace group of St Mellitus RC Church over a number of years, alongside Caritas Westminster's involvement in related projects addressing knife crime and youth violence. Knife crime, however, is not an issue confined to one parish-it is affecting communities across London, particularly young people and their families. Between January 2025 and January 2026, London recorded around 14,900 knife crime offences The Metropolitan Police area continues to record the highest knife crime rate in England & Wales, and around half of knife crime victims in London are under 25.

The forum brings together parishes, parishioners, and community members from across the Diocese to share experiences and explore how we can respond more effectively at a local level. It is also a chance to hear what is already happening in different parishes and to learn from one another in a spirit of collaboration, encouragement, and shared commitment.

Sacha Ray, CEO of the charity Lives Not Knives - a youth-led organisation that works to tackle knife crime and prevent violence and anti-social behaviour among young people - will be one of the speakers, sharing her experience of working with young people and how to facilitate a youth-led approach.
During the forum we will:

· Share examples of initiatives and activities already taking place in parishes and communities

· Hear what other parishes have done to respond to knife crime in their communities

· Explore simple, practical ways to raise awareness locally

· Encourage ideas and action within parishes and communities

· Create space for discussion, sharing, and mutual encouragement

This forum is open to all and especially relevant for parishioners, catechists, clergy, youth leaders, educators, parents, young people, as well as anyone involved in ministry, outreach, or community life. Whether you are already active in this area or simply want to learn more, you are very welcome.

Date: Thursday 18th June
Time: 7- 8.15pm
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

To register, please visit: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/events/