Blades Down

The KnockOut Violence Project

KnockOut Violence Project Tonight at the KnockOut Violence Project, our young people got a real insight into the discipline and dedication of boxing, watching young fighters from Wirral CP Boxing Club in their pre-fight training. It was inspiring to see the focus and determination in action! After that, it was straight into the circuit session, followed by pad work and bag work, pushing themselves physically and mentally. We finished with a debrief on upcoming projects and a well-being check-in – because looking after our minds is just as important as strengthening our bodies. A huge congratulations to Riley and Lacey, who were chosen as our first KnockOut Violence Ambassadors! 👏 Their leadership will help shape the future of this project. This is just the beginning. We’re building something special, creating a safe space for young people to learn, grow, and make positive choices.

The KnockOut Violence Project at Woodlands Primary School

KnockOut Violence Project at Woodlands Primary School Friday, as part of the KnockOut Violence Project, Lee from Gloves Not Gangs and Danni from The Blades Down Foundation visited Woodlands Primary School in Ellesmere Port to run vital sessions with Year 5 & 6 Students. They tackled important topics such as knife crime, antisocial behaviour, gang culture, and county lines, empowering young people with the knowledge to make positive choices.    Danni, who works at The Whitby High School, is able to take time away from the classroom as part of their community outreach, helping to educate primary school students about these tough but necessary issues.    Lee spoke passionately to students about the power of making good choices and the consequences of negative ones, sharing how boxing and the core values of the Wirral CP Boxing Club help young people stay on the right path.    These students were engaged, insightful, and open, sharing their own experiences and knowledge on these hard-hitting issues.    Over the next few months, Danni & Lee will continue visiting more primary schools to extend these crucial conversations. They will also join students from The Whitby High School in delivering Bleed Control Kits to local primary schools.   

Why the pledge matters

Why the pledge matters Yesterday members of the Wirral CP Boxing Club signed the pledge to never carry a knife and act responsibly if they see someone else with one. The pledge is part of our Knife crime prevention programme – Ellesmere Port Together Against Knife Crime. Public pledges draw attention to the issue of knife crime, prompting conversations at home, in schools, and in broader society. Awareness is the first step towards meaningful action, and this movement ensures that the dialogue remains ongoing.   Alongside the pledge, many initiatives offer educational workshops, mentorship programs, and activities that provide young people with alternatives to violence. These programs address the underlying issues that lead to knife crime, promoting conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.   Several cities have already seen positive outcomes from knife crime pledges. In London, for instance, community groups have collaborated with schools to implement pledge campaigns, leading to noticeable decreases in knife-related incidents. In Glasgow, a similar initiative complemented by extensive support networks and youth engagement programs contributed to a significant reduction in violent crime rates. For the knife crime pledge movement to continue its positive impact, it requires support from all sectors of society. Governments, schools, community organizations, and families must work together to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure. Policies should focus on preventive measures, such as increasing funding for youth programs and ensuring that mental health support is readily available.   In conclusion, the knife crime pledge is more than just a promise; it’s a powerful statement of intent from young people determined to reclaim their communities from violence. By signing the pledge, they are not only rejecting the culture of fear and aggression but also embracing a future built on peace, solidarity, and mutual respect. The journey to eradicating knife crime is long and complex, but with initiatives like the knife crime pledge, there is hope that young people can lead the way to safer, more harmonious communities. Let’s support this movement and amplify their voices, recognizing that real change often starts with the courage and commitment of the younger generation.

The Power Of The Youth Pledge

The Power Of The Youth Pledge We have had a great start to our community prevention programme! Players at the Ellesmere Port Rugby Club – Mini’s & Jrs all came together to sign their names on our knife crime pledge. By signing this pledge they promise not to carry a knife and act responsibly if they see someone else with one.    The pledge is an important part of our prevention programme and with each young person who signs it we are one step closer to a better and safer future.    In recent years, knife crime has surged as a distressing issue affecting communities worldwide, especially in urban areas. As the conversation about its root causes and potential solutions intensifies, a growing movement among young people is emerging as a beacon of hope: the knife crime pledge.   The knife crime pledge is a initiative where young individuals commit to non-violence and refuse to carry knives. This pledge, often formalized through written or digital signatures, serves as a public declaration of their commitment to fostering safer communities. The power of this movement lies in its simplicity and its capacity to inspire collective action.   By signing the pledge, young people take a proactive stand against knife crime. It empowers them to become agents of change within their communities, shifting the narrative from passive victims to active participants in creating a safer environment.   The pledge fosters a sense of unity among peers. When young people see their friends and classmates joining the movement, it reinforces a collective responsibility and builds a community united against violence.