Patrick Green, CEO of Ben Kinsella Trust. Photo by Wendy Sloane
By Gulsum Boluk, Anastasiia Savina and Maria Ndong Biko
The Ben Kinsella Trust is making significant strides in combating knife crime through its immersive and educational workshops in Islington. Established in memory of Ben Kinsella, a 16-year-old tragically stabbed to death in 2008, the Trust has been unwavering in its mission to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime and the importance of making positive choices.
“This workshop was created because we wanted to make sure no other family has to go through what Ben’s family did. We aim to show young people the reality of knife crime and give them the tools to make better choices,” said Tom Jewkes, the Trust’s manager.
The Trust’s flagship exhibition in Islington offers free workshops to local schools and youth groups while also welcoming organisations from neighboring boroughs such as Hackney, Camden, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, and Southwark. Parents and community members are encouraged to support these initiatives by promoting awareness, participating in outreach, and facilitating open dialogues about the risks associated with knife crime.
Entrance to the exhibition, Finsbury Library. Photo by Anastasiia Savina
“Parents and communities play a crucial role in prevention. The more we talk about it, the more we can change attitudes. We need parents to engage with their children, schools to support these conversations, and communities to work together to create safer spaces,“ Jewkes added.
Beyond the workshops, the Trust provides continuous support to young individuals, offering resources that reinforce the lessons learned during the sessions. This includes educational materials, access to counseling services, and opportunities to engage in positive community activities, all aimed at steering youth away from violence.
Knife crime remains a pressing issue in London, with police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument increasing by 80% over the past decade. Many victims are young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds where social deprivation and gang culture play a significant role.
Tom Jewkes, the Operations Manager. Photo by Gulsum Boluk
“The sad reality is that knife crime disproportionately affects young people, especially in inner-city areas. Many carry knives out of fear rather than intent to harm, but our workshops show them that carrying a knife only increases the danger,” Jewkes explained.
Reflecting on past interventions, Tom highlighted the need for a community-wide approach: “We cannot police our way out of this crisis. Education, support, and preventative work are just as important as law enforcement. We’ve seen the impact of our workshops—young people leave with a completely different perspective.”
The Trust plans to expand its programs further and introduce more initiatives aimed at engaging youth across London and the South East. They continue to call for stronger support from policymakers and local leaders to tackle knife crime as a public health crisis.
An array of the Trust’s badges. Photo by Anastasiia Savina
“We’ve spoken to mayors, politicians, and community leaders, but we need more action. This is not just a law enforcement issue—it’s a societal issue that requires all of us to play a part,” said Tom Jewkes.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Ben Kinsella Trust’s official website or e-mail: info@benkinsella.org.uk.
Leave a Reply