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.
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.
Make the Swap Today and Help Make Our Homes and Communities Safer
At Blades Down, we are always looking for meaningful, practical ways to prevent knife harm and protect lives. We are proud to be partnering with Leanne Lucas and the Let’s Be Blunt campaign, a partnership built on shared values, lived experience and a commitment to real, lasting change. This partnership strengthens our message that knife crime prevention does not start and end on the streets. It starts much closer to home, with everyday choices, honest conversations and safer environments. Leanne’s Story Leanne Lucas’ story is at the heart of the Let’s Be Blunt campaign. As shared on the Let’s Be Blunt website, Leanne is a primary school teacher and children’s yoga instructor whose life was changed forever following a brutal knife attack while she was protecting children. In the face of unimaginable trauma, Leanne chose to turn her experience into purpose. Rather than being silenced by what happened to her, Leanne has used her voice to campaign for prevention, education and safer alternatives. Let’s Be Blunt was created to reduce the risk of knife harm by encouraging realistic, achievable changes that anyone can make. Her message is clear. Prevention matters, and action saves lives. What the Let’s Be Blunt Campaign Is About The Let’s Be Blunt campaign focuses on reducing knife harm through awareness, education and practical solutions. It challenges the belief that knives offer protection and instead promotes safer choices, particularly in everyday settings like the home. A key part of the campaign is encouraging people to rethink the knives they use daily and consider safer alternatives that reduce the risk of accidental or intentional injury. This approach empowers families, parents and communities to play an active role in prevention. Making the Swap to Viners Assure Knives One of the most effective actions being promoted through this partnership is making the swap to Viners Assure knives. Viners Assure knives are designed with safety at their core. Their rounded, blunt tip significantly reduces the risk of serious injury through stabbing, helping to prevent knives from being used as weapons. This makes them a safer option for homes, schools and community spaces. Despite their safer design, these knives remain fully functional for everyday cooking. The blades are still sharp and effective for slicing, dicing and chopping, meaning there is no compromise on practicality. They are ideal for households with children, vulnerable adults or anyone who wants to take proactive steps towards improving safety at home. When these changes are made across communities, they contribute to a wider culture shift around knife safety. Viners introduced the Assure range in response to rising knife crime and the need for safer, smarter kitchen solutions. Their commitment to working alongside charities and community groups aligns closely with the work of Blades Down and the Let’s Be Blunt campaign. Viners Assure knives are available from Argos, Amazon, Dunelm and directly from Viners, with packs available from as little as £13. Stronger Together for Lasting Change By partnering with Leanne Lucas and the Let’s Be Blunt campaign, Blades Down is proud to support a movement that focuses on prevention, education and practical action. This partnership strengthens our collective voice and helps ensure that safer choices are accessible, understood and embraced. Lasting change happens when awareness is matched with action. Making the swap is a simple step, but together, those steps can save lives. Make the swap today and help us create safer homes and safer communities for the future.
Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025: Stronger Together for Lasting Change
This week is Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025, and for us at Blades Down it is never just a date in the calendar. It is a week that carries weight, emotion and responsibility. A week where stories are shared, conversations are uncomfortable, and lives are remembered. It is also a week filled with hope, connection and action. Throughout this week we have been out in our community doing what we believe matters most. Showing up. Listening. Educating. Supporting. We have spent time with young people, talking honestly about knife crime, violence and the real life consequences that too often get brushed aside or sensationalised. These were not lectures. They were conversations. We spoke about fear, pressure, safety, choices and the impact that one moment can have on so many lives. The bravery shown by young people opening up, asking questions and sharing their thoughts has been nothing short of powerful. This week also saw us delivering bleed control kits into the heart of the community. Each kit represents preparedness, education and the belief that lives can be saved. We never want to be in a position where these kits are needed, but we know that having them accessible can be the difference between life and death. Alongside this, we have continued to raise awareness around emergency first aid and the importance of knowing what to do in a crisis. We have been out speaking to parents, carers and community members too. Knife crime does not just affect young people. It ripples through families, schools and entire communities. These conversations matter just as much. Creating spaces where adults feel able to ask questions, voice concerns and learn how to support the young people in their lives is a vital part of prevention. One of the most important things this week has reminded us of is the power of community. Every conversation, every shared post, every person who stopped to talk or show support plays a part. Knife Crime Awareness Week is not about statistics alone. It is about people. Real lives. Real loss. Real change. As this week continues, we carry with us the voices of the young people we have spoken to, the families who have shared their fears, and the memories of those who should still be here. Awareness is just the start. What matters is what we do with it. At Blades Down, this work does not stop when the week ends. We will keep showing up, keep listening and keep fighting for safer futures. Because every young person deserves to grow up without fear, and every community deserves hope. If this week has taught us anything, it is that change is possible when we stand together.