Jessica Toale MP has welcomed new government action to curb the blight of knife crime on local communities. The latest government initiative comes just a week after a local knife attack on Maclean Road in Bournemouth, that left a teenager in a critical condition.
The new government action involves up to 250 schools in high-risk areas to receive specialist support to help tackle knife crime. This is accompanied by training to help staff identify risks early and help prevent young people being drawn into violence.
In August 2023, the Bournemouth community was rocked by the stabbing of 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton. Thomas Betteridge was found guilty of manslaughter and possessing a bladed article in public. He was sentenced to 9 years and left the community devastated.
Tracy Jose, Cameron’s grandmother founded the charity ‘Changes Are Made’ after losing Cameron. Tracy has spoken to almost 1000 young people across Bournemouth and Poole. She emphasises that 62% said ‘better education is the most effective way to prevent knife crime’.
Changes Are Made
The plans to tackle knife crime were discussed yesterday in Parliament and Jessica Toale MP highlights the importance of prevention. Despite the 8% knife crime- related hospital admissions being the lowest in a decade, the government have announced plans to go further.
Jessica Toale MP drew on the experience of constituent Tracy, and said: “what matters now is acting early and focusing effort where it will make the biggest difference.
“That means diverting young people away from violence, equipping them with the knowledge and support they need.”
The government is enforcing the prevention with new mapping technology. This will enable the police to identify when and where knife attacks are most likely to occur.
This work is supported by Knife Crime Concentrations Funds £26 million.
Jessica Toale MP adds:
“Campaigners like Tracy and Organisations such as Changes Are Made show just how powerful education and prevention can be”.
“I am pleased the Government has confirmed that supporting young people through education will be central to our strategy, and. that areas like Bournemouth West will be part of the plans for support.”
Where can I find more information?
Visit: https://changesaremade.com/ to find out more about C.A.M.
Visit: https://www.jessicatoale.com/ to find out more about Jessica Toale MP