Tackling the Surge in Knife Crime
How WWMT-Supported Charities Make a Difference
In the year ending September 2024, England and Wales recorded approximately 55,008 offenses involving knives or sharp instruments — a figure that represents a 4% increase on the previous year and a staggering 100% rise over the past decade. This alarming surge has been widely documented, raising deep concerns about the safety and wellbeing of our communities.
So, what’s behind this dramatic rise?
- Youth Violence & Gang Culture
A key factor is the increasing involvement of young people in gangs. Many carry knives for protection, status, or out of fear — often influenced by peer pressure, social media, or exposure to violence in their environments. - Socioeconomic Inequality
Poverty, lack of opportunities, and cuts to youth services create fertile ground for violence. Communities with limited access to education, employment, and social programs consistently experience higher rates of crime. - Cuts to Policing & Community Services
Austerity measures over the last decade have led to fewer police officers and reduced youth outreach programs, resulting in fewer preventative interventions and diminished support at a local level. - Social Media & Cultural Influences
Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram can fuel conflicts, with online feuds sometimes escalating into real-life violence. Drill music, too, has been controversially linked to aggressive behaviour, though many argue it reflects, rather than causes, the challenges young people face.
How do we address this?
It’s clear that no single solution exists. Instead, preventing knife crime requires a multifaceted approach — one that keeps young people engaged in education, provides them with safe spaces outside the streets, and offers tailored support to those already at risk.
This is precisely the kind of work the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT) supports. Let’s take a look at three of the many charities funded by WWMT, each tackling the issue in their unique way:
Palace for Life Foundation
The official charity of Crystal Palace FC, Palace for Life runs the Breaking the Cycle program, specifically designed to address youth violence in South London. This WWMT-supported initiative delivers one-to-one mentoring and group sessions for young people aged 8-19 at risk of criminal involvement. By focusing on resilience, self-esteem, and providing positive role models, they help guide young people away from violence and towards fulfilling futures.
Only Connect
Taking a different but equally vital approach, Only Connect supports ex-offenders in leading crime-free lives. Backed by WWMT, the charity focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with key workers, offering creative outlets, employment opportunities, and strengthening family ties. Their mission is simple yet powerful: treat individuals with kindness, focus on their strengths, and help them reintegrate successfully into their communities.
Regenerate
Regenerate inspires and supports young people by building strong relationships and creating life changing opportunities; helping them grow in confidence, make the best of their lives and impact the world for good.
Regenerate works with young people aged 10-24 in South West London, who are facing barriers such as mental health issues, exposure to poverty or crime, marginalisation, or being NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Through three person-centred services – Youth and Sports clubs; Mentoring and Coaching; Employment and Training – as well as eye-opening and transformative trips and residentials, young people build confidence, social skills, self-management, the ability to plan, and other vital life skills, leading to a brighter future where they are safe, empowered and thriving.
Why your efforts matter.
Though their methods may differ, these charities share one core belief: every young person deserves the chance to realise their potential, free from the shadow of crime and violence. That belief is shared by WWMT.
Sadly, in recent years, many of the services that support vulnerable young people have been lost due to funding cuts. We hope this snapshot shows just how vital the work of these charities is — and how devastating the loss of such services can be to the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
We are deeply grateful to all our supporters who enable us to continue this important work. Your contributions, whether through riding Le Loop or fundraising, make a real difference.
To learn more about the inspiring charities we support, visit www.wwmt.org.
