The Community Impact Project

THE COMMUNITY TIMES

A campaign by The Community Impact Project / EKNW

Article By: KJ – Chief Executive

“We have consistently called knife crime and youth violence a Public Health Emergency—and today, we reaffirm that call. This crisis is destroying lives, traumatising families, and putting a generation at risk. We welcome the cross-party support of Joani Reid MP and Collette Stevenson MSP, but now urge South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland, local councillors, charities, and community groups to step up. 

We also call on the First Minister to consider using Scotland’s existing public health emergency powers and direct his ministers  to coordinate a national, trauma-informed response. This is for Kayden Moy, Kory McCrimmon, and Amen Teklay—it’s also about every young person across Scotland presently at risk who deserves to grow up safe, seen, and supported. The time to act is now. Stand with us.

 There has been a 600% rise in serious youth assaults, Police Scotland seized 248 knives from schools and the youngest person known to be carrying a knife was just 10 years old”

Under the 2008 Act (as amended), The First Minister can instruct his ministers to make public health protection regulations. These could include but not limited to:

  • Authorising local health boards or councils to take targeted measures in communities affected by knife crime
  • Mandating co-operation between police, schools, housing, and NHS to prevent harm
  • Restricting or closing premises contributing to violent incidents (e.g., unregulated venues or unsafe youth spaces)
  • Fast-tracking trauma support or mental health interventions via emergency service protocols
  • Convene an Emergency Cabinet Taskforce on Youth Violence
  • Direct Police Scotland, councils, and NHS boards to coordinate on a public health response
  • Request a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report outlining the health impact of knife crime
  • Allocate emergency funds under existing budgetary discretion for public safety and health initiatives

Its time to step up, take action and save lives we also urge the First Minister to include us in any future summits on Youth Violence. We already had mass support when he called this and unfortunately we did not recieve backing from Collette Stevenson at the time to advocate for us to be there despite being a leading voice in East Kilbride and Glasgow.”

Why This Campaign Matters

In May 2025, Kayden Moy, a promising 16-year-old from East Kilbride, was murdered. His life—full of talent, dreams and potential—was cut short. His family was devastated.

Kayden wasn’t just a name in the news. He was part of our community. He was family to our Director of Communications and Media Relations. This campaign is personal, and it always will be.

We are also calling for the justice system to act swiftly and with the full weight of the law. No more delays. No more half-measures.

Sadly, Kayden is not the only one.

The Names We Must Not Forget

Kory McCrimmon, 16, was stabbed to death in Glasgow’s Greenfield Park in 2024. He was described by his family as “so full of life.” A 14-year-old boy was convicted in connection with his death and sentenced to five years in detention.

Amen Teklay, 15, was killed in March 2025 on Clarendon Street, Glasgow. His death—just weeks before Kayden’s—marked yet another young life stolen by knife violence. Three teenagers were later charged.

These are not isolated tragedies. They are part of a growing national emergency.

The Statistics Tell a Bleak Story

South Lanarkshire:
– Violent crime has risen by 21% in recent years
– Youth-related violence and knife possession is increasingly common

Glasgow:
– Knife crime rose by 13% between 2022 and 2024
– Almost one-third of all stop-and-searches for weapons now involve teenagers

Scotland (2024):
– 91 children caught carrying knives—some as young as 10
– Suicide remains one of the top causes of death among young men under 20

  • 600% rise in serious youth assaults
  • Police Scotland seized 248 knives from schools

What We’re Calling For

We believe in a trauma-informed, prevention-led approach that tackles the root causes—not just the consequences.

We are calling on South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, and local authorities across the region to urgently develop a coordinated, multi-agency response, including:


– A dedicated Knife Crime Prevention Taskforce based in East Kilbride / Glasgow
– Early intervention and trauma-informed education in schools and youth services
– Mental health support and mentoring for vulnerable young people
– Trusted, on-the-ground community outreach
– A more visible and consistent neighbourhood policing model

What We’ve Done

Since launching, we have:
– Met with Joani Reid MP and Collette Stevenson MSP
– Made several attempts to engage with councillors, NHS professionals, police representatives
– Shared the petition with thousands across Scotland
– Begun outreach in schools, groups and spoken to families.
– Launched a GoFundMe to support awareness and engagement

How You Can Help

Sign the Petition:
https://www.change.org/ekendknifecrime

Support the Campaign:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/EKKNIFECRIME

Volunteer, Partner, Get Involved:
Email: contact@thecommunityimpact.co.uk


Facebook Group: Friends & Supporters Of The End Knife Crime And Support The Youth Campaign:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1069103574551740/?ref=share

Calling All Charities, Schools, and Organisations

We are inviting all local organisations, charities, youth services, schools, churches, mosques and businesses across East Kilbride, Glasgow, and Scotland to join us. Your support is not just welcome—it is urgently needed.

Let’s show unity. Let’s show leadership. Let’s show Scotland’s young people that we are prepared to fight for their future.

Email us directly at contact@thecommunityimpact.co.uk to partner.

This Is for Every Young Person in Scotland

We are doing this for Kayden. For Kory. For Amen. For all the lives lost.

But more than that—we are doing it for every young person still here, still trying, still dreaming of a safer future.

We want a Scotland where no child needs to carry a knife to feel safe. A Scotland where no parent has to bury their teenager. A Scotland that stands up and says: not one more.

This is for all young people across Scotland.

If you have been effected by the Knife Crime / Violent Crime Public Health Emergency

Please contact us and share your story or request signposting to services that can help. We are here to serve you. You can message us via messenger on Facebook or via email contact@thecommunityimpact.co.uk

You can also leave a comment under the article.