Blunt Truth programme has reached 3,900 people as knife crime prevention work continues across Manchester
We launched the Blunt Truth programme earlier this year, with partners including Creating Effective Generations (CEG), 84YOUTH, Street Doctors, Minds on a Mission and Be Part of Change to help raise awareness of knife crime and help young people make safer choices. So far the programme has provided 194 sessions reaching 3,900 young people, parents, teachers and youth leaders.
The initiative uses workshops, mentoring, family support and community activities to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and violence, while helping young people build confidence and make positive decisions.
Feedback from participants of the programme has been overwhelmingly positive, with 95.75% of secondary school students saying they would make safer choices even if their friends did not, while 95% said they would feel able to speak to someone if they felt unsafe.
A pupil at Birchfield Primary School in Manchester said: “I learnt to never carry a knife, even for safety. We learnt safer ways to stay safe by communicating and working together as a team.”
The programme has also received strong praise from schools.
Rachel Quinn, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Head Teacher at Chorlton High School, said: "I truly believe that your sessions may have just saved a life!!!"
As partners continue to expand the programme, Blunt Truth remains focused on giving young people the knowledge, confidence and support they need to stay safe and make positive choices for the future.
With thanks to Manchester City Council, One Manchester, Jigsaw Homes and Co-Op Foundation for supporting Blunt Truth and helping make this important project happen.
Prevention starts at home as well as in schools and communities.
We are supporting the Let's Be Blunt campaign, which encourages households to swap pointed kitchen knives for safer rounded-tip alternatives.
We are hosting a knife exchange event with partners and residents at our scheme Shawe View this Friday, giving residents the opportunity to replace pointed knives with rounded versions designed to reduce the risk of serious injury while remaining fully functional for everyday use.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to reduce opportunities for harm, promote safer homes and communities, and encourage conversations about knife crime prevention beyond the classroom.
