Knife crime against young people can feel never-ending to the leader of a prominent anti-knife charity, especially following the tragic death of a 16-year-old due to a stabbing incident. Despite encountering many dark days last year, he remains optimistic about the potential to prevent such brutal attacks in the future.

The Ben Kinsella Trust was established in 2008, shortly after the senseless murder of Ben, a 16-year-old, in Islington. Ben was fatally attacked after leaving a bar and being chased by a large group following a dispute. The trust was founded by Ben’s family, including his sister Brooke Kinsella, an actress known for her role in Eastenders, as they campaigned fervently against knife crime.

Patrick Green, the CEO of the trust, highlighted the alarming statistic that youth knife crime has not ceased, emphasizing the need to address underlying issues beyond simplistic solutions like increased policing or harsher sentencing. He underscored the importance of tackling root causes such as deprivation, poverty, inequality, and the impact of social media on perpetuating dangerous myths about knife ownership for protection.

The trust’s efforts include engaging with young people through workshops to facilitate positive changes in their lives, aiming to address the complex issues driving knife-related violence. One key finding was that youths in unsafe areas are more likely to carry knives, indicating a need for creating safe environments and dispelling harmful beliefs about self-defense through education and awareness campaigns.

Mr. Green also highlighted the broader impact of knife crime, dispelling misconceptions that it only affects boys and gang-related incidents, noting cases where girls have tragically fallen victim to such violence. The trust’s initiatives, including immersive exhibitions and educational programs, have been instrumental in raising awareness and prompting a reevaluation of decisions among visitors.

Looking ahead, the trust is committed to expanding its outreach efforts to educate more young people and communities about the consequences of knife crime and the importance of prevention. Visitors to the trust’s centers in London and Nottingham have shown a positive shift in attitude after engaging with the exhibitions, reinforcing the belief in the efficacy of their educational initiatives.

To learn more about the Ben Kinsella Trust’s crime prevention workshops and their impactful work, visit their website at [Ben Kinsella Trust](https://benkinsella.org.uk/).