Brent is expanding its community safety infrastructure during Knife Crime Awareness Week, running from 18 to 24 May 2026. The initiative introduces new medical equipment and hands-on training designed to give local people the tools and confidence to intervene effectively during critical incidents.
New life-saving equipment installed in Harlesden and Church Road
Two additional bleed kits are now operational in key community hubs. One has been placed at Roundwood School and Community Centre in Harlesden, while the second is located at the Unity Centre on Church Road. These kits are designed for public use and contain specialized first aid equipment specifically intended to control severe, life-threatening bleeding before paramedics arrive on the scene.
These new installations strengthen a growing network of emergency equipment across the borough. Existing kits are already accessible at high-traffic locations including the Neasden Subway, Boxpark Wembley, and Kilburn Bridge. By placing these tools in accessible public spaces, the council aims to ensure that life-saving resources are never more than a few minutes away in an emergency.
Free emergency response workshops for Brent residents
To ensure the equipment is used effectively, Brent Council is hosting a series of free, practical training sessions throughout the week. These workshops are open to all residents and provide instruction on how to manage high-pressure situations. Participants will learn the correct procedure for calling 999, how to safely use the contents of a bleed kit, and how to provide immediate care under stress.
Food is provided at all sessions, and residents are encouraged to book their spots via EventBrite. The schedule for the workshops is as follows:
- Kilburn Workshop: Tuesday 19 May, 1pm – 4pm at 78 Granville Road, NW6 5RA.
- Neasden Workshop: Tuesday 19 May, 5.30pm – 8pm at Crest Academy, NW2 7SN.
- Wembley Workshop: Wednesday 20 May, 5.30pm – 8pm at The Base, Brent Civic Centre (1st Floor), HA9 0FJ.
Kibibi Octave, Director of Community Development, noted that while knife crime has a devastating impact on families, it remains preventable. The strategy focuses on giving residents the practical confidence to act, which serves as a vital layer of protection for the wider community.
Trauma to Triumph: Empowering young people at Boxpark Wembley
A dedicated youth-focused event titled “Trauma to Triumph” will take place at Boxpark Wembley on Friday 22 May, from 2pm to 8pm. This gathering brings together local partners to create a safe environment for young people to connect and share real-life experiences. The event is designed to highlight positive choices and reinforce the message that violence is not an inevitable path. Through storytelling and community connection, the initiative seeks to address the root causes of serious violence and offer alternative perspectives to the borough’s youth.
Professional training for those working with local youth
In addition to public sessions, a specialized online training event is scheduled for Thursday 21 May, from 10am to 12pm. This session is tailored for professionals, including teachers, youth workers, and community leaders who interact with young people regularly. Led by local community safety partners, the training provides expert-led insight into the current landscape of knife crime and serious youth violence in Brent. It aims to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to identify risks and support vulnerable individuals effectively.
By combining physical equipment with widespread education, the borough is moving toward a more resilient safety model where every resident has the potential to save a life.
Source: Brent Council
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