Blunt Truth is a grassroots, multi-agency initiative aimed at tackling knife crime in Moss Side, Hulme, and Rusholme through early intervention, immersive education, and community empowerment.
The project is co-designed with local schools, youth groups, and residents—anchored by the belief that the most effective solutions come from within the community.
Delivered in partnership with CEG (Outreach), Manchester City Council (Youth, Neighbourhoods, and Community Safety), Jigsaw Homes, Kyso Project, Hideaway Youth Project, Powerhouse, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and MSV Housing, (Hopefully, One Manchester too) the focus is on prevention—not punishment. The approach addresses root causes of knife crime and provides meaningful, safer alternatives for young people and their families.
What Makes This Different
Locally designed, locally delivered.
Schools are already involved in designing the Blunt Truth logo. They will also act as a gateway for delivery—hosting immersive, curriculum-linked workshops that engage students on decision-making, consequences, and resilience.
Immersive, victim-led education
Sessions will include powerful real-life stories from those impacted by knife crime. In both schools and community settings, immersive workshops will simulate realistic scenarios (e.g., navigating Moss Side) where participants must make critical decisions and discuss outcomes. These sessions are as much about emotional impact as they are about practical awareness.
Family and community focus
Alongside youth delivery, we’re engaging parents in parallel workshops—equipping them to identify risks, support their children, and foster open, non-judgmental conversations. This creates a holistic support system around the young person.
Safe havens and emergency infrastructure
PCSOs and MSV will identify local safe spaces. These, along with knife bins, defibs, and support services, will be highlighted via a QR code—giving young people discreet access to help and safety when they need it most.
Creative, consistent communications
Through MSV’s comms team, we will build awareness through podcasts, digital media, short films, and billboards—particularly during Knife Crime Awareness Week—ensuring this is not a one-off message but a continuous presence.
Diversion and opportunity
We are exploring free gym access and alternative activities to help young people stay away from crime and stay engaged with positive outlets and local networks.
This project goes beyond awareness—it builds trust, agency, and resilience in some of the city’s most affected communities. It will deliver real, measurable impact by:
- Reaching young people where they are (in schools and youth groups)
- Engaging families in the prevention process
- Offering visible safety infrastructure (safe havens, knife bins, defibs)
- Using digital tools and creative comms to extend reach
- Diverting at-risk individuals into healthier, safer paths
This isn’t a short-term fix. It’s a long-term, community-owned approach to knife crime—one that puts local voices at the centre and offers the police an opportunity to be seen not just as responders, but as collaborators in positive change.
