NCH consults young people on gun and knife crime

Children’s charity NCH today launched a nationwide consultation on youth gun and knife crime as part of a strategy to improve young people’s sense of security and well-being.

Children and young people are being asked for their views and knowledge on gun and knife crime and how they have been affected. NCH said that the online consultation is one of the largest of its kind and that the results will be used to “develop lasting solutions”.

NCH is being backed by a host of celebrities including boxer Joe Calzaghe and Olympic athletes John Regis and Colin Jackson. Calzaghe, who is the undisputed world super-middleweight champion, said: “Gun and knife crime is a serious problem with young kids today in society. As a father of two young boys this is a problem that you cannot turn your back on.”

Regis added: “Too many young people’s lives are being destroyed by gun and knife crime. This NCH consultation will be a crucial tool in helping to understand the views of those most directly affected.”

The consultation follows on from a pilot project conducted by NCH in Croydon, where it was found that although only a small minority of young people carried a weapon, many felt threatened as it was feared they were more widespread.

Chief executive Claire Tickell said: “As adults we can’t keep making policy about young people without asking them for their views. These are frightening questions but we have to ask them, listen to the answers and create solutions that will last.”

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