Knife crime campaign launched by ambulance service

An ambulance service has launched a campaign to reduce the number of people dying as a result of knife crime.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is working throughout the month to reduce the number of knife crimes in Hampshire and the Thames Valley, highlight the impact such crimes have, and teach the public emergency first aid.

There were 2,160 stabbings in the area covered by SCAS in the 12-month period up to September 2024, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

Patrick Green, CEO of knife crime charity the Ben Kinsella Trust, said education was "our most powerful tool in the fight against knife crime".

"Awareness raising campaigns are so important," he said.

"We need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate potentially dangerous situations and understand the devastating consequences of knife crime."

SCAS said it had a number of events planned for the month - including a short film of Amanda Stephens, the mother of Olly Stephens who was fatally stabbed in Reading, meeting the operational commander who was on the scene that day, for the first time since the attack.

The ambulance service said it was working with Slough Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, Slough Youth Council and Together as One to host an event in Langley teaching young people emergency first aid.

Mark Ainsworth-Smith MBE, consultant pre-hospital care practitioner for SCAS, said: "Tragically we see a significant number of deaths caused by knife crime and violence in our ambulance service every year.

"Every one of those deaths is a tragedy for families and friends, and they cause terrible trauma to all those involved, including the police, ambulance service and other emergency responders who have to deal with the consequences."

SCAS said there was evidence showing campaigns were effective at reducing knife crime, with a study across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight showing knife crime offences had fallen by 19% since 2022.

But Mr Green said reducing knife crime was not just about statistics.

"It's about changing attitudes and behaviours," he said.

"By talking directly to young people, we can address their fears, dispel misinformation, and empower them to make positive choices."

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