Leading the Next Phase of Our Campaign to End Knife Crime and Support the Youth

KJ – Chief Executive & Chairman

We are now entering the next phase of our campaign to tackle knife crime and protect young people across Scotland. This work builds on years of engagement with local communities, public services, and youth organisations, with a focus on turning evidence into practical solutions that can save lives.

Recent data obtained through our Freedom of Information requests confirms that knife crime remains a serious issue across Scotland. Emergency hospital admissions due to knife assaults have risen steadily, from 562 in 2015/16 to 715 in 2023/24. Some local areas have seen sharper increases, particularly among young people, highlighting the need for urgent and targeted action. These figures are a stark reminder that knife crime is not just a policing issue but a wider social concern, affecting families, schools, and communities.

“We will be engaging directly with councillors, MPs, MSPs, schools, and local organisations to produce a comprehensive, community-informed report,” I previously stated. “It is vital that the voices of those most affected shape the report and make it not just data, but a tool for real impact.”

The campaign has issued a public call for academics, journalists, NHS professionals, policymakers, and other experts to contribute to this initiative. We are seeking assistance to interpret and analyse figures on knife-related assaults, including hospital admissions and Police Scotland data, to build a full and accurate picture of incidents across multiple regions.

This project aims to go beyond numbers. By examining the social, economic, and environmental factors linked to knife crime, we hope to identify practical strategies that support youth safety, reduce risk, and prevent harm before it occurs. From poverty and social exclusion to gaps in education and youth engagement, our work will explore the underlying causes that contribute to knife-related violence.

Experts in research, investigative journalism, data analysis, public health, and public policy are encouraged to contribute their skills to ensure the report is transparent, informative, and actionable. Members of the public also have an important role to play—by following the project, contributing insight, and raising awareness, communities can become active participants in creating safer environments for young people.

The campaign will not be limited to data analysis. We will try to work closely with local schools, youth services, and community groups to listen to the experiences of those directly affected, ensuring the report reflects lived realities, not just statistics. This approach allows us to bridge the gap between recorded crime and hospital data, and between policy decisions and the communities they are intended to protect.

We remain committed to championing this campaign through advocacy, research, and direct community engagement. Our goal is to make a tangible impact, ensuring young people across Scotland have safer opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive without fear of violence.

By combining expert analysis, community voices, and evidence-based recommendations, we aim to produce a report that informs policymakers, guides public services, and empowers local communities. Together, we can shine a light on this critical public safety issue and support efforts to make Scotland safer for everyone.

Those interested in contributing or providing guidance can contact us directly at:
contact@thecommunityimpact.co.uk

Further information and our press release can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17ZiK64D99/

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