Mentoring scheme diverting youths from knives - PCC

A mentoring programme to divert young people away from carrying knives has seen success in Wolverhampton, with teenagers engaging with music projects and one-to-one support, police staff said.

One 15-year-old teenager in the city, not in school or work and at risk of exploitation, said he had stopped carrying knives after a 10-week mentoring scheme, the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership said.

About 35 youngsters aged 11-22 have taken part in the programme regionally, which is funded by the partnership and uses police data to identify those at risk of carrying knives.

Up to £2,000 is allocated for each person that takes part giving them bespoke support, the partnership said.

They receive therapeutic support, sessions on home renovation, and music studio sessions.

Three young people collaborated to produce their own music track with a youth organisation.

The partnership is funded by the Home Office and projects aim to support people through one-to-one and group mentoring, life skills sessions and creating safe spaces.

Participants have described how the scheme has helped them through music projects and working with mentors.

In 2024, the West Midlands Police area had the highest rate of knife crime offences in England and Wales, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Since then, figures in the region have dropped.

In November, the force said it was to expand its specialist knife crime and youth violence unit by creating a new team in the Black Country, taking the total to five.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster said he was pleased to support the programme which provided "opportunities and access to safe trusted adults they can confide in".

"Young people can sometimes feel the need to carry knives to protect themselves and their loved ones," he said.

"If they get into an argument - they may be more likely to use it and could also run the risk of being injured by their own knife.

"One life lost to knife crime or violence of any kind, is one too many."

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