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.