The idea
Blades Down CIC is a community-led initiative aimed at tackling youth violence and knife crime through early intervention, education, and empowerment. Our programme engages young people in workshops that focus on mental and physical well-being, personal development, and safer choices. We deliver real-life education on the dangers of knife crime, youth violence, ASB and provide practical tools such as self-defence, conflict resolution, and first aid training.
Alongside our youth programme, we work to increase access to life-saving bleed control kits across the community — to date, we have donated 22 kits. Founded by a survivor of knife crime trauma and PTSD, Blades Down is rooted in lived experience and passionate about change.
Our project builds safer, stronger communities by supporting young people with the tools, confidence, and resilience they need to choose a different path. We also run school outreach, community events, and online support through our growing digital platforms.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver a youth programme on well-being, life skills, and knife crime prevention.
- Run weekly workshops covering self-defence, first aid, and emotional resilience.
- Support two weekly youth groups offering a safe and empowering space for young people.
- Host guest speakers with lived experience to inspire and educate participants.
- Install 10 new bleed control kits in key community locations.
- Provide outreach sessions in schools to raise awareness around youth violence.
- Launch a digital campaign with safety tips, real stories, and support resources.
- Hold a community event celebrating youth achievements and strengthening local ties.
- Provide 500 young people with first aid training
Why it's a great idea
Blades Down CIC will bring vital benefits to both young people and the wider community. Our project empowers young people with the knowledge, confidence, and support to make positive life choices, reducing the likelihood of them becoming involved in violence or crime. Through workshops focused on well-being, resilience, and life skills, we help build stronger mental health and a sense of purpose.
Our bleed control kit initiative increases community safety and emergency preparedness — these kits can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a stabbing.
By combining lived experience with professional delivery, we provide relatable role models and a safe space for learning and growth. The wider community benefits from reduced antisocial behaviour, improved safety awareness, and stronger local connections. Ultimately, we aim to inspire a generation of young people to say no to knives and yes to brighter futures.
Steps to get it done
- Launch of Youth Programme
- 100 workshops
- 500 young people receiving first aid training
- More than 50 bleed kits in Ellesmere Port
- Expansion of youth clubs
- First annual report released
- Programme Sustainability Secured
