Mr J. Downie will be Tackling Serious Youth Violence & Knife Crime in East Kilbride and Glasgow. As part of his new role he will be instrumental in leading our campaign to End Knife Crime & Support The Youth.

Dear Members,

I’m honoured and proud to share that I’ve officially stepped into the role of Youth Engagement Director for the Community Impact Project a grassroots initiative focused on addressing knife crime & serious youth violence starting right here in East Kilbride Scotland.

This role is more than a title for me it’s a mission. It’s about standing with our young people, understanding their struggles, and offering real, lasting support. 

With a 5-year background in mental health and trauma therapy, I’ve worked closely with both children and adults navigating the deep and lasting effects of trauma. That experience has shaped the way I lead, mentor, and connect always with empathy, honesty & hope 

This work is personal for me.

Beyond my 5 year professional background in mental health and trauma therapy I also bring something else : my own lived experience.

I know what it feels like to struggle with mental health, to carry the weight of trauma, and to work through it piece by piece. I’ve lived it. And I’ve fought through it to get to where I am today 

I also know the pain of losing someone close a friend to gang life and knife crime. That loss changed me. Now It has made me realise just how urgently we need safe spaces, strong role models, and real support for our youth before it’s too late.

As a mentor, I don’t just speak to young people , I listen. I see them. I make it my priority to build trust, create safe spaces, and help them find strength within themselves. This isn’t about preaching. It’s about partnering , guiding young people away from destructive paths and toward futures they can be proud of.

The Community Impact Project is more than a program. It’s a movement to make communities a place where young people feel valued, supported, and safe.

Our message is simple but powerful:

We stand for the community. We stand with the community. And we believe in the power of our youth to rewrite their future.

Change doesn’t happen overnight but with compassion, consistency, and community, it’s absolutely possible.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the work so far. The real work begins now.

Let’s make an impact, Let’s do it together. 💙

Mr J.Downie – Youth Engagement Director