Mission, Vision and Values
At Blades Down and the KnockOut Violence Project, we are driven by a deep commitment to ending knife crime, youth violence, and antisocial behaviour. We believe that every young person deserves safety, opportunity, and a future free from fear. Our mission, vision, and values define who we are, what we stand for, and how we work to create lasting change in our communities.
Through education, mentorship, and sport, we empower young people to make positive choices, build resilience, and break free from the cycle of violence. Our work is guided by core values that shape our approach—Inclusivity, Responsibility, and Respect—ensuring that every young person we reach feels valued, supported, and inspired to create a better future.
On this page, you’ll learn more about our mission, our long-term vision, and the values that underpin everything we do.
At Blades Down and the KnockOut Violence Project, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, circumstances, or past experiences, deserves access to support, guidance, and opportunities. Our programmes are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included. We actively work to remove barriers that may prevent young people from engaging, ensuring that our sessions are open to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, or personal challenges. Through inclusivity, we create a sense of belonging that helps young people develop confidence, build friendships, and see a positive future for themselves.
We instil a sense of responsibility in both our team and the young people we work with. As an organisation, we take responsibility for providing safe spaces, life-changing interventions, and positive role models to help young people make better choices. At the same time, we encourage young people to take ownership of their actions, decisions, and futures. Responsibility means understanding the impact of choices, whether in the gym, at school, or in the community. By promoting accountability, we empower young people to step up, make informed decisions, and play a role in shaping their own success.
Respect is a core value that underpins everything we do. We promote respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for the community. Our sessions and workshops teach young people the importance of treating others with kindness, understanding different perspectives, and handling conflicts without violence. By creating a culture of mutual respect, we help young people build healthier relationships, improve their communication skills, and develop resilience. Through boxing, mentorship, and education, we show that respect is not just given—it is earned through actions, discipline, and integrity.
Our mission is to steer young people away from violence, gang culture, and antisocial behaviour by providing positive interventions, safe spaces, and life-changing opportunities. We use boxing, mentoring, and education as powerful tools to instil discipline, confidence, and self-respect. By working closely with schools, community groups, and local authorities, we ensure young people receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.
Through early intervention and long-term empowerment, we are committed to creating lasting change. We provide young people with practical skills, emotional support, and strong role models to help them make better decisions and build brighter futures. Our work doesn’t stop at prevention—we also focus on restoring confidence, self-worth, and opportunity for those who have been affected by violence. By fostering a culture of respect, ambition, and personal growth, we are shaping a new generation of young people who can inspire change in their own communities.
At Blades Down, our vision is a future where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to make positive choices. We strive to create a community free from violence, where every young person has access to the support, education, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Through sport, mentorship, and education, we aim to break the cycle of crime and antisocial behaviour, replacing it with hope, ambition, and resilience.