Merseyside students unite for knife crime awareness and positive change

Merseyside Police and the LFC Foundation hosted an inspiring Knife Crime Awareness event to coincide with Sceptre (17-23 November), the national initiative tackling knife crime.

The event, organised by Safer Schools Coordinator Faye Smith, welcomed 70 students from secondary schools across Merseyside for a day of learning, discussion, and practical activities aimed at promoting safety and positive choices.

Students taking part came from schools in Bootle, Garston, Walton, Everton, Aintree, Crosby, Maghull, Sefton and Knowsley. 

The day began with a lively Q&A session featuring Superintendent Phil Mullally, Chief Inspector Lisa Ledder, and Schools Officer Charlie Southern, giving young people the chance to ask honest questions and hear directly from senior officers.

Students then took part in an engaging self-defence workshop led by Alan Walsh from Anfield Boxing Club, packed with practical tips and advice for staying safe.

Interactive sessions followed, including Everton in the Community’s VR experience, KnifeSavers, Fairness in Policing, and activities with the Safer Schools Team. Students also enjoyed some downtime with Karen Jones and the Wellbeing Police Dogs, who brought plenty of smiles and cuddles.

The event concluded with an inspiring celebrity panel featuring Paddy Rowan, John May, Natasha Jonas, and Matt Parish, who shared personal stories about growing up in Merseyside and the importance of supporting local communities.

Faye Smith, Safer Schools Coordinator, said:

“It was incredible to see so much positivity, honesty, and engagement throughout the day. The students really embraced the opportunity to learn and share their views, and we’re proud to have created a safe space for these important conversations.

“Events like this are vital for educating young people, raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime, and empowering them to make positive choices. By working together, we can help prevent knife crime and build safer communities for everyone. We’re already looking forward to our next event in January, which will focus on County Lines.”

This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of Merseyside Police, LFC Foundation and partners to educating young people and reducing knife crime across the region.

Alongside events like this, officers are carrying out a range of proactive operations during Sceptre, including:

• Knife Surrender
• Stop searches and search warrants
• Intelligence-led weapon sweeps and open land searches
• Deployment of knife detection arches
• Test purchase operations
• Free bike marking events to prevent theft and robbery
• High-visibility patrols in areas most affected by knife crime and violent crime

Find out more about knife crime awareness initiatives in Liverpool here. 

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