Haringey youth lead community action to tackle knife crime
Haringey residents and families can access a series of specialized events starting Monday, 18 May, as the borough marks Knife Crime Awareness Week. Running until Sunday, 24 May 2026, this initiative focuses on prevention through education and direct community engagement, aiming to provide young people with the tools to steer clear of gang violence.
The week of action brings together the Metropolitan Police Service, the Youth Justice Service (YJS), and local schools to address safety concerns head-on. By focusing on empowerment rather than just enforcement, the program seeks to create a sustainable shift in how the community approaches youth safety.
Interactive workshops and sports-led prevention
A central pillar of the week involves collaboration with the Godwin Lawson Foundation. This organization, established to commemorate the life of a young man lost to knife crime, will facilitate workshops at local Kickz football sessions. These sessions are supported by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, utilizing the influence of professional sport to engage local young people in meaningful dialogue about safety and personal choices.
These workshops are designed to be more than just lectures. They provide a space where participants can discuss the pressures of gang culture and learn practical strategies for conflict resolution. By meeting young people in environments where they already feel comfortable—such as football pitches—the program lowers the barrier to entry for critical safety conversations.
Mobile youth hubs and creative engagement across the borough
To ensure the message reaches every corner of the community, Mobile Youth Hubs will be deployed throughout Haringey. These hubs act as roaming community centers, bringing resources directly to the streets where young people congregate. This year, the council is partnering with ‘United Borders,’ an organization known for its innovative youth bus that features an onboard music studio.
United Borders provides interactive music workshops, allowing young people to express their experiences and frustrations through creative outlets. This approach recognizes that traditional outreach often fails to connect with those most at risk. By offering high-quality music production opportunities, the initiative builds trust and provides a positive alternative to street-based activities.
| Event Type | Lead Partners | Primary Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Football Workshops | Godwin Lawson Foundation & Spurs Foundation | Youth aged 11-18 |
| Music & Outreach | United Borders & Mobile Youth Hubs | Local teenagers |
| Business Visits | Trading Standards & Youth Volunteers | Shop owners |
| Safety Sweeps | Metropolitan Police Service | General Public |
Business compliance and local police enforcement measures
While education is the primary focus, the week also includes rigorous enforcement and monitoring activities. Young people will take an active role in social action by visiting local shops and stores. They will speak directly with business owners about their legal obligation to refuse the sale of knives to anyone under the age of 18.
Following these educational visits, the Haringey Council Trading Standards team will conduct test purchase operations. These operations involve young volunteers attempting to buy knives under controlled conditions to ensure businesses are complying with the law. Businesses found to be in breach of these regulations face significant legal consequences.
Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Police Service will increase visibility in known hotspots. Officers are scheduled to conduct weapon sweeps in public parks and housing estates to remove dangerous items from the streets. Knife arches—portable metal detectors—will also be deployed at key locations to act as a deterrent and ensure public safety during high-traffic periods.
Accessing support and digital safety toolkits
Beyond the physical events, the council is prioritizing digital resources to support those who may not be able to attend in person. Information sharing throughout the week will include the distribution of anti-knife crime messages and digital pledges. These resources are designed to help parents and guardians start difficult conversations at home.
Online counselling services and specialized toolkits will be made available to provide ongoing support after the week of action concludes. These tools offer guidance on identifying signs of gang involvement and provide clear pathways for reporting concerns or seeking help for a child. The goal is to ensure that the momentum generated during the week translates into long-term community resilience.
Source: Haringey Council
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