Jack – The Edge of Violence
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with weapons. At the time, I did not see it as dangerous or unusual. My dad wanted me to join the army like him, and weapons were part of that world. We watched army films together, war films, shooter films. He bought me army toys and shooter games for my PlayStation like GTA and Call of Duty. It felt like bonding. It felt like approval. I wanted to be what he wanted me to be. At the same time, school was not a safe place for me. I was bullied constantly. It chipped away at me day by day until I became angry and reactive. One day, a group of boys I thought were my friends cornered me. We played football together. I trusted them. They kicked and punched me until I was bleeding. I remember the shock more than the pain. The confusion of how quickly people can turn on you. My parents had been divorced since I was one. I never really had a dad in the house. For a short time, my mum had a boyfriend who filled that space, but not in a good way. When I was eleven, he would shout at me and beat me. That violence stayed with me. By the time I was twelve and thirteen, I was acting out at home. I became violent towards my mum, kicking and punching her when she told me to go to bed. I hate admitting that now, but it is part of my story. Hurt does not disappear, it leaks out. When I was fourteen, I went to Thailand with my dad for a month over Easter. The school gave permission for extra time off. While we were in Bangkok, when my dad was not around, I bought a taser. I knew it was wrong, but I also felt powerful holding it. I hid it from him and brought it back to England. I also brought back knives and air guns. At the time, airport security was poor and no one stopped me. I hid everything. Back at high school, the bullying continued. One day, I snapped. I was tired of feeling scared and small. I took the taser into school. I showed it to my best friend. He wanted to try it and ended up getting caught with it. We were both suspended for about a month. At fourteen, we thought it was great. Time off school. Playing games online. We had no understanding of the seriousness of what had happened. The police got involved. There were investigations. My dad was arrested on suspicion of weapons trafficking. That is when reality hit. I admitted it was me. I said I did not intend to hurt anyone. The charges against my dad were dropped, but I nearly got expelled from school. The police searched our house and confiscated all the weapons I had hidden. What I did not understand then, but do now, is that tasers are classed as firearms in the UK. That weapon could have killed someone. Even though it was not a knife, the outcome could have been just as devastating. That day could have changed multiple lives forever. Looking back, I do not see a bad kid. I see a scared one. A child surrounded by violence, trying to feel safe, trying to feel strong, trying to belong. But intentions do not erase consequences. Understanding that has shaped everything I do now. This is why I speak out. This is why I care about prevention. Because I know how easily things can escalate, and how close I came to becoming another statistic rather than a warning.
Ellesmere Port Leading the Way with Safer Knife Swaps
This week, Blades Down have been back out in the community supporting local families to make the swap to safer knives as part of the Lets Be Blunt campaign. In just a few days, 30 families across Ellesmere Port have chosen to take part, swapping their kitchen knives for safer alternatives. What has been even more powerful is the response that followed. A further 30 families have already reached out asking to take part next. This tells us one thing very clearly. Families want to do the right thing. They want to make small changes at home that can help keep children and young people safer. By the end of January, our hope is to have supported 100 families to make the swap. What is the Lets Be Blunt Campaign? Lets Be Blunt is a national campaign focused on reducing the risk of knife related harm in the home. While knife crime is often discussed in public spaces, the reality is that many young people access knives from their own kitchens. The campaign encourages families to think differently about everyday items and take simple steps that can reduce risk. Swapping to safer knives is not about fear or blame. It is about awareness, prevention and creating safer home environments for children and young people. Why This Matters Most serious youth violence starts long before a knife is carried outside the home. Easy access plays a huge role. By reducing that access, we reduce opportunity, risk and potential harm. Every conversation we have during a swap matters. Families talk openly with us about worries, peer pressure, social media and keeping their children safe. These moments of connection are just as important as the physical swap itself. This work is about prevention, trust and community. Ellesmere Port is Leading the Way What is happening in Ellesmere Port right now is something to be proud of. Families are stepping forward.Conversations are happening.A community is choosing to be proactive rather than reactive. Ellesmere Port is showing what it looks like when a town comes together to protect its young people. This is what community led change looks like. Quiet, practical actions that create real impact. We are incredibly proud of every family who has taken part so far and grateful to those who continue to support this work. If you would like to take part in a future swap or support this initiative, please get in touch with Blades Down. Together, we are proving that change starts at home and Ellesmere Port is leading the way.
Danni’s Story – The Witness
It happened in a matter of seconds, but it changed my life forever. I was out walking, my mind on nothing in particular, when I saw what looked like an argument between a group of teenagers. I did not hesitate. I work with young people. I teach them. I support them. My instinct was to step closer, to help, to de escalate. Maybe they were kids from my school. Maybe I could calm things down. Then, in a split second, everything changed. One of them was on the ground. A man. At first, I genuinely thought he had been punched. My brain could not catch up with what my eyes were seeing. But then there was blood. So much blood. It spread quickly, soaking through his white t shirt, pooling beneath him. I froze. I should have known what to do. I had done first aid training. I had practised scenarios. But nothing prepares you for the reality. In that moment, everything I had learned disappeared. My feet felt glued to the ground. The world around me blurred. All I could focus on were his eyes. Wide. Terrified. Pleading. The gasps he made, the awful choking sounds as he fought for air, those sounds have never left me. They live with me every day. I called 999. The operator talked me through compressions. Passers by came to help when my body simply could not keep going. I do not know how long I was there before the sirens arrived. I do not remember walking away. What I do remember is looking up and seeing students from my school staring at me. I was covered in blood. Their faces were full of fear and shock, mirroring everything I felt inside. I walked home in a daze. Every step felt unreal. Then I saw Daniel. I collapsed into his arms. My body shook as the weight of what I had witnessed finally hit me. That night I did not sleep. That week I barely functioned. The months that followed were dark. PTSD took hold and dragged me under. Every time I closed my eyes, I was back there. His face. His gasps. The blood on my hands. The guilt. The helplessness. I lost myself completely. But somehow, my students pulled me through. They reminded me why I do what I do. They reminded me that even when the worst happens, young people still need someone to show up for them. I could not save him. But maybe, just maybe, I could stop this from happening again. Blades Down was born from that pain. From fear. From trauma. From a desperate need to turn something horrific into something that mattered. Blades Down is not an organisation that came from a boardroom or a funding bid. It came from the pavement. From blood stained hands. From broken sleep and panic attacks and tears on the kitchen floor. It came from a promise I made to myself that night that this would not just be another statistic. Since then, I have poured everything I have into this work. I have stood in youth clubs and classrooms having the hardest conversations with young people about knives, violence, fear and choices. I have listened to stories of kids who carry blades because they feel unsafe, unheard, forgotten. I have created spaces where young people are not judged, but supported. Where they can talk honestly about what they are facing and know someone is listening. We have delivered workshops focused on prevention, real life consequences and emotional support. We have worked directly with young people most at risk, not to scare them, but to empower them. To remind them of their worth. To show them that their future does not have to be defined by one decision. We have distributed bleed control kits into the community, because while prevention is vital, lives also depend on immediate action when the worst happens. I know first hand how terrifying those moments are. I know how much those tools matter. Every kit placed is a chance. A chance for someone to survive. A chance for a family not to get that knock on the door. We have run Safer Knife Swaps with families, giving people a way to remove knives from homes safely and without judgement. No questions. No shame. Just a simple message. If the knife is not there, it cannot be used. We have worked alongside other organisations who share the same mission, because this work is bigger than any one person. And through it all, youth voice has been at the heart of everything. Young people are not just participants in Blades Down. They are part of it. Their voices shape what we do, how we do it, and why it matters. I could not have done any of this alone. Friends and family held me up when I could barely stand. They believed in me when I had nothing left to give. They reminded me of my strength when I felt completely broken. Blades Down exists because of community, love and stubborn hope. That night was the darkest moment of my life. But it also became the most defining. It changed me forever. I will never see the world the same way again. But I will spend the rest of my life fighting for young people. Educating them. Supporting them. Standing beside them. Doing everything in my power to make sure fewer families experience the heartbreak of knife crime. Too often we see these stories in the news. Another life lost. Another family destroyed. Another community left grieving. But this is not just a headline. It is real. It is close. And it is happening far too often. Carrying a knife does not protect you. It puts you in more danger. When someone carries a blade, they are not just holding a weapon. They are holding the potential to change everything forever. One moment of fear, anger or pressure can take a life, ruin futures and
A New Year, A Stronger Commitment to Saving Lives
As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect, reset and look ahead. The past year has shown us just how powerful community action can be when people come together with a shared purpose. At Blades Down, our commitment remains clear. We are here to prevent harm, educate young people and empower communities with the skills and confidence to save lives. This year is about building on what we have already achieved and pushing forward with even greater determination. What’s Next for Blades Down? The new year brings renewed energy and a clear focus on impact. We will continue to expand our youth engagement work, deliver educational workshops and support families and communities affected by violence and antisocial behaviour. Our work will remain centred around prevention, early intervention and practical life skills. From youth clubs and outreach sessions to partnerships with schools and local organisations, our aim is to reach more young people than ever before and give them the tools they need to make safer choices. Launching Our First Aid Saves Futures Campaign One of our key priorities this year is the launch of our First Aid Saves Futures campaign. We believe first aid education should be a basic life skill, not a privilege. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can be the difference between life and death, whether that emergency happens at school, at home or in a public space. Through this campaign, we are calling for consistent, high quality first aid education for young people, alongside better access to training, resources and bleed control equipment. We want to ensure that young people feel confident, capable and prepared to act when it matters most. First aid does not just save lives. It builds confidence, responsibility and a sense of community care. That is why this campaign sits at the heart of our work moving forward. Continuing Our Community Work Alongside the campaign, we will continue our Safe Knife Swap events, youth mentoring programmes and educational sessions focused on violence prevention, wellbeing and positive futures. Our partnerships with organisations such as Gloves Not Gangs will remain a vital part of our approach, offering young people alternatives, support and guidance. Every conversation, every workshop and every trained young person brings us one step closer to safer communities. Thank You for Standing With Us None of this work is possible without the support of our community. To our volunteers, partners, supporters and every young person who engages with us, thank you. Your belief in our mission drives everything we do. This year, we are more determined than ever to create real, lasting change. Together, we can save lives, shape futures and keep blades down.
Facebook Marketplace: Knives Being Sold Without Age Verification
Blades Down CIC has become aware of a serious issue, knives are being sold on Facebook Marketplace without any age verification, despite this being illegal in the UK. In an investigation by The Guardian, four sets of knives were purchased and delivered to residential addresses with no checks to confirm the buyer was over 18. This is deeply concerning, as it exposes young people to easily accessible weapons and represents a clear failure of online safeguarding. Since May 2019, UK law has made it illegal to sell knives online to anyone under the age of 18. This legislation was introduced to strengthen existing knife laws and reduce access to knives by children and young people. It is the responsibility of sellers, and the platforms they use, to comply with these rules and ensure that age checks are properly carried out. Selling knives without proper age verification is against the law, yet platforms like Facebook, owned by Meta, are failing to enforce these measures consistently. By allowing knives to be bought and delivered to residential addresses without verification, Meta is enabling illegal sales and putting communities at risk. This issue was brought to our attention by @nopointknives, and we fully support their efforts to raise awareness. In response, Blades Down CIC will now be routinely monitoring Facebook Marketplace and reporting any knife sales that do not comply with the law. This isn’t just about online sales, it’s about safeguarding our communities and preventing harm. Easy access to knives contributes to youth violence and tragic incidents that could be avoided. Platforms, sellers, and regulators must be held accountable to ensure the law is enforced and young people are protected. Blades Down CIC remains committed to taking action wherever we can, raising awareness, and supporting initiatives that keep young people safe. Online marketplaces must do their part, and we will continue to push for accountability where it is needed most.
Reducing Knife Harm Conference
Today, our founder Danni had the privilege of attending the Reducing Knife Harm Conference at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London, and it was genuinely outstanding from start to finish. The conference brought together voices from Government, policing, health care, forensic science, trauma surgery, charities, and those with lived experience. Every session offered powerful insight, honest discussion, and practical ideas that Danni is excited to bring back into the work of Blades Down. Prevention is a shared responsibility The morning opened with a strong reminder that prevention is everyones responsibility, followed by an update on how the Government plans to halve knife crime. Hearing directly from national leaders, including the National Policing Lead for Knife Crime, highlighted just how much work is happening behind the scenes to create safer communities across the country. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration across sectors and the need for community led organisations to be part of national solutions. Health, science and safer design The health and academic perspectives were both eye opening and sobering. Major trauma experts and crime scientists broke down the scale and complexity of knife harm in a way that was difficult to hear but essential to understand. Discussions around safer knife design were particularly powerful. Exploring how manufacturers, retailers, police, and forensic specialists can all play a role in reducing harm offered valuable learning and sparked new ideas for future Blades Down projects. Powerful voices and lived experience A real highlight of the day was finally meeting Leanne from the Lets Be Blunt Campaign. Her passion for safer knife design has long been an inspiration to our work, and meeting her in person was incredibly special. It was also an absolute honour to meet Pooja Kanda from the Justice for Ronan Kanda campaign. Her speech moved many in the room to tears. Hearing her speak so bravely about Ronan and the devastating impact of knife harm brought a powerful human truth to the conference. Her words are ones we will carry with us. Looking ahead with purpose The final panel discussion brought everything together and left the room energised and hopeful about the way forward. So many committed, knowledgeable, and passionate people working towards real change. We are grateful to have represented Blades Down at such an important event and proud to stand alongside those working tirelessly to reduce knife harm, protect young people, and build safer communities for everyone. Together, change is possible.
What Does Success Really Look Like?
When we think about success, it’s easy to picture it in big, traditional milestones, Landing your dream job,Owning a house,Being married with children,Buying a new car,Saving thousands of pounds,Passing your GCSEs or A Levels,Earning a degree. And yes, all of these are incredible achievements and things to be proud of. But here’s the question, are we putting too much pressure on ourselves, and on the young people around us, to believe that if we don’t achieve these things, we’ve somehow failed? At Blades Down, we see it all the time. Young people, and adults too, comparing themselves to others, measuring themselves against what society says success should look like, and feeling inadequate if their lives don’t match up. But life isn’t one-size-fits-all. Success isn’t just about big milestones, it’s about every day victories, growth, and well-being. Small Wins Matter Just as Much It’s important to have goals, dreams, and things to aspire to. But there are countless smaller, often overlooked things that make us successful, 🌟 Having a good group of friends who support you, friendships are the foundation of happiness and resilience, they give you encouragement, help you through tough times, and celebrate your victories with you 🌟 Having a job, even if you start at the bottom, every career starts somewhere, showing up, learning, and growing in your role is just as much a sign of success as reaching the top 🌟 Being healthy, both physically and mentally, prioritising your health, dealing with challenges, and taking care of yourself is a huge achievement, your wellbeing is the most important foundation for anything else 🌟 Having a family or loved ones, regardless of marriage, love and connection don’t need to follow a traditional path, the relationships that matter most are the ones that bring support, joy, and care 🌟 Owning a car or having independence, it doesn’t have to be brand new or flashy, being able to get around and have autonomy is a win 🌟 Renting a home, a home is a home, whether you own it or not, stability, safety, and comfort are the true markers of success here 🌟 Getting out of bed each morning, some days this feels like a small act, but facing each day is a victory in itself 🌟 Paying your bills on time, managing responsibilities, even small ones, builds confidence and independence 🌟 Showing up to school or education opportunities, attendance, engagement, and effort are achievements in their own right, even if grades don’t always reflect your effort Happiness Is the True Measure of Success All of these things have one thing in common, they contribute to wellbeing, growth, and happiness. Because at the end of the day, success is not just about what you own, what qualifications you have, or how far you’ve come compared to others. Sometimes, people who appear to “have it all” are not truly happy. They chase status, money, or recognition, thinking these things will bring them joy, but happiness comes from within, from gratitude, connection, purpose, and self-acceptance. So ask yourself, are you happy with where you are and who you are? If the answer is yes, then you are already successful. Your worth is not defined by milestones, possessions, or societal expectations. Every small step, every positive choice, every day you keep moving forward counts. Teaching Young People About Success This message is especially important for the young people we work with at Blades Down. Teaching them that success comes in many forms, not just the traditional achievements, helps them build confidence, resilience, and self-worth. It reminds them that, Success isn’t a finish line, it’s a journey made up of small wins, growth, and moments of joy. So celebrate the little things, recognise your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and remember, if you are happy and proud of who you are, you are already successful. ❤️
Blades Down CIC Sponsors Forza Red Lions Under 13s
This summer, Blades Down CIC had the absolute pleasure of becoming sponsors of the Forza Red Lions Under 13s, a team that has a truly special place in our founder Danni’s heart. Many of these amazing young players have supported Blades Down since the very beginning, joining our youth projects, showing incredible enthusiasm, and becoming part of our extended community. Sponsoring the team felt like a way to give back—to recognise their dedication, friendship, and the positivity they bring to everything we do. ⚽❤️ Today was their second game of the season, and watching them play was nothing short of inspiring. Ethan shone brightly, earning Man of the Match, while Southwood, Ollie, Isac, and Ethan all made their mark on the scoresheet. Seeing the teamwork, determination, and smiles on their faces reminded us exactly why we do what we do. The Blades Down Team will be there at their home game next weekend, cheering them on and celebrating every goal, tackle, and moment of effort. These young people are more than just players—they are part of our journey, our community, and our mission to create safe spaces and positive opportunities for young people. Here’s to sport, to friendship, and to the young people who make a difference every single day. We are so proud to stand with you.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Tommy and Everyone Who Took Part in The Heroic 3710
On Saturday 30th August, something truly special happened. Tommy and the incredible community that came together for The Heroic 3710 gave us a day full of energy, determination, and heart. For Blades Down, this fundraiser was more than just a challenge. Our founder, Danni, has known Tommy for years, having worked alongside him on various charity projects. Seeing him throw himself into this challenge, putting so much effort into every station and inspiring everyone around him, made the day feel personal, proud, and unforgettable. ❤️ Together, all of you raised over £700! 🎉 Every penny of this amazing total will go straight into activities for our young people and our Safe Knife Swap, creating real, positive change where it’s needed most. What made the day truly inspiring was the spirit on display. From the sweat and determination at each station to the encouragement shared between teams, the sense of community and togetherness was exactly what Blades Down stands for. 💪 Thank you, Tommy, for leading with such energy, and thank you to every single person who took part, cheered, or supported behind the scenes. You’ve helped us take another big step forward in keeping our young people safe and creating opportunities for a brighter future. Here’s to community, courage, and making a difference—together.
A Powerful Visit to The Ben Kinsella Trust
Today, our founder Danni had the privilege of meeting with Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, and visiting their powerful exhibition in Islington. The experience was deeply moving. As someone who works closely with young people affected by violence, Danni found the exhibition both emotional and impactful. It powerfully brings to life the realities of knife crime while highlighting the urgent need for education, awareness, and prevention. The Ben Kinsella Trust continues to be a leading voice in the fight against knife crime. Their commitment to prevention through education strongly aligns with the values and mission of Blades Down. Seeing their work first hand reinforced the importance of early intervention and honest conversations with young people. Danni left feeling inspired, informed, and more determined than ever to continue our work creating safer communities and protecting young lives. We are extremely grateful to Patrick Green for taking the time to meet with Danni and for such a warm and generous welcome. The work being carried out by the Ben Kinsella Trust is truly life changing, and we look forward to building a strong and meaningful connection as we continue this important work together.