Dear Parents/Carers,
Following our last letter to you during our Ditch the Blade campaign in autumn last year we wanted to get back in touch to remind you that you can still help. Everyone can make a difference in the fight against knife crime. It’s really important that parents, carers and teachers continue having conversations about knife crime with children and young people so they understand the risks and consequences.
The Ditch the Blade campaign encourages young people not to carry knives and to instead choose a different path for their lives, one without the risk of prison, serious injury or death.
We have recently updated our dedicated #DitchtheBlade webpages on our website. It now contains specific help and advice for parents/carers, teachers and young people, and there are a range of useful resources including case studies, videos and podcasts. The podcasts aim to help parents and carers understand how they can talk to children about knife crime. You can hear from a parent with lived experience, as well as some of the agencies that help tackle the issue and work with young people on a day-to-day basis.
There is also information on who can help if you are worried about a child and think they are involved with knife crime. To view the webpages visit: www.staffordshire.police.uk/ditchtheblade
We know that the overwhelming majority of young people will never be affected by knife crime but a conversation with your child will help us collectively make a difference.
Thank you for your continued support in this matter.
Best wishes,
Chief Inspector Rob Hessell
Knife Crime Lead, Staffordshire Police
