£29,000 invested in knife crime education in St Helens Borough schools
In a determined effort to tackle knife crime and raise awareness among young people, the Safer St Helens Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has allocated £29,000 of its funding to support schools in St Helens Borough to design their own knife crime awareness campaigns and education materials.
Article date: 10 June 2025
The initiative, led by the CSP - which includes representatives from St Helens Borough Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Knowsley & St Helens Probation Trust and local health services - was launched to help educate young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife from a victim, perpetrator and community perspective.
Schools and colleges across the borough were invited to apply for funding to support creative, impactful projects aimed at spreading key prevention messages and promoting safety to help our young people make positive choices to stay safe.
Schools and colleges are uniquely positioned to raise this awareness, helping young people to develop the skills and understanding to identify risky situations, how to respond, and where and when to seek help or advice.
During the May meeting of the CSP, pupils from Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School delivered a presentation to partners on the work they had undertaken as part of this campaign. Their video project exemplifies how young voices can play a powerful role in driving change and promoting safer communities.
The campaign takes on particular significance in Parr, where the school and wider community continues to heal following a knife crime incident last year. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was treated in hospital and continues to recover. The CSP's efforts aim to ensure that such crimes are not repeated.
Chair of the Community Safety Partnership and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Councillor Trisha Long, said:
"Knife crime devastates lives and communities. By educating our young people early, we are not only equipping them with the knowledge to make safer choices but also empowering them to be part of the solution. This funding represents a collaborative, proactive approach to prevention."
The CSP remains committed to working with schools, community groups, and residents to develop long-term strategies that protect people, reduce crime, and create safer neighbourhoods for everyone in St Helens Borough.
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