WHERE CAN YOUNG PEOPLE GET HELP?
WHERE CAN YOUNG PEOPLE GET HELP?
We are here to help and support you if you want to get out of a gang, have concerns about knife crime or just generally want to take a different path to the one you are currently on.
We are not the police. We are here to help you and to tackle the root causes of violence in Bedfordshire. The video below outlines some practical help and advice you can take, while if you want further support you can get in touch with our team.
KNIFE FREE
There is further help and advice available about knife crime for young people. Fearless is an anti-crime charity set up to advise teenagers about different types of crime and submit information anonymously.Â
Visit their website for more information.
You can also check out this interactive guide for help and advice about dealing with different types of exploitation.
This has been produced by young people at the Mary Seacole housing association in Luton.
99% of young people in England and Wales live knife free. And, while those that carry often claim to do it to feel safer, carrying a knife can get you into dangerous situations.
Even if you can avoid the violence, there are severe emotional, personal and legal consequences that can come from knife carrying.
If you carry a knife, it’s never too late to make a positive change in our life. Going knife free takes courage, but the benefits are real.Â
Millions of young people live knife free across the country – don’t waste your future by carrying one.
If you’ve considered carrying a knife – or are already carrying – there are things you need to think about. While some people and places make you feel like you need to carry, it’s never worth it.
Legal Consequences
01.
Carrying a knife can mean four years in prison, even if you don't use it.
Is it worth the risk of spending your life behind bars?
02.
You can get a criminal record just for carrying a knife.
A criminal record will be with you for the rest of your life.
03.
Carrying a knife, is a serious offence And carrying it for self-protection is not a defence.
Statistics show that carrying a knife for 'protection' means you stand a higher chance of being stabbed yourself.
Emotional Consequences
01.
Carrying a knife can mean four years in prison, even if you don't use it.
Is it worth the risk of spending your life behind bars?
02.
No parent or grandparent would ever want to see their child get injured, go to prison or be killed.
Just think of all your loved ones who could be affected by you carrying a knife.
03.
It could also impact on your siblings, if carrying a knife leads you to having serious injuries or losing your life.
Knifes not only cause physical damage but can also have serious effects on mental health.
LIVE KNIFE FREE
We understand feeling afraid to travel around in your own community must feel overwhelming but in reflection, carrying knife has way more negatives than benefits. We can help, contact us today.
Carrying knife can affect your life in lots of different ways. One bad decision can lead to a lifetime of problems.
Personal Consequences
01.
Carry a weapon and it could be used against you.
Statistics show that carrying a knife for 'protection' means you stand a higher chance of being stabbed yourself.
02.
Employers may be less likely to employ someone with a criminal record.
Having a criminal record could limit your employment opportunities in the future.
03.
Countries such as the USA and Canada may not allow someone with a criminal record in, even just on holiday.
Imagine not being allowed to travel and explore the world because of your criminal record.
Other Facts
- 99% of young people aged 10–29 don’t carry a knife.
- People who carry a weapon are more likely to be hospitalised with an injury caused by violence.
- There is no ‘safe place’ to stab someone – any stab can be fatal – and the consequences will be just as severe.
As young person it may be tempting to carry a knife. You may feel scared or threatened by others in your community. We understand, however it’s important to think of the consequences.
How To Live Knife Free
01.
Positive Social Circle
Friends should never pressure you into doing something you don’t want to. Consider whether the people you surround yourself with are having a positive impact on your life.
02.
Peer Pressure
Some friends may pressure you to carry. Try and think of a way to say no before you’re put on the spot, so you’re ready – it could save your life.
03.
Be Aware Of Your Environment
Try and stay away from situations that you know are likely to result in conflict or violence.
04.
Positive Activities
Find positive activities to channel your energy and help you avoid dangerous situations. This will also help you meet others living knife free.
Career Services
Youth Clubs
SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
Childline
Childline is a confidential helpline for children which offers advice about things like bullying, sex and relationships as well as mental health. You can contact them by phone or online
Face up 2 it
FACE (Fighting Against Child Exploitation) is a group of young people, male and female, who are aware of the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation. Their website contains lots of resources about the different signs to spot and how to get help
Brook
Brook is a free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing service for young people. It can offer you help and advice as well as pointing you towards local services
Respect
Respect is a UK domestic abuse organisation leading the development of safe, effective work with  perpetrators, male victims and young people using violence in their close relationships.
THE HIDEOUT
The Hideout offers tailored advice and support for children and young people about domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it is happening to you
ICASH
iCash is an NHS service offering help and support around sexual health and contraception, including free testing. They have a number of services and clinics based in Bedfordshire
THINK OF YOUR FUTURE
Either way you look at it, knife crime only creates ‘loss’. People either lose their life or their freedom. Make choice to life knife free.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
SORTED BEDFORDSHIRE
Sorted is a free and confidential counselling service available to young people aged from 10 to 25 in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and other parts of Central Bedfordshire
YOUNG MINDS
Young Minds is a helpline and support service offering mental health support for young people across the country. You can get in touch with them by text if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
CHUMS CHARITY
The CHUMS mental health and emotional wellbeing service for children and young people currently offers a number of services across the county. This includes group workshops for parents and carers as well as young people
CAMHS
Child and adolescent mental health services in Bedfordshire are delivered by the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Their website contains a number of useful resources as well as information about the different services they have available
KOOTH
Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous online support for children and young people in Bedfordshire. You can also read articles about improving your emotional wellbeing written specifically by young people
MIND
Mind is a national charity which offers help and support around all aspects of your mental health. They also provide information about other places where you might be able to get help
GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE
Young people are the future, you have special gifts and talents that deserve to be shared. Don’t rob yourself of opportunities.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
AQUARIUS
Aquarius in the dedicated drug and alcohol support service for young people under the age of 18 in Bedfordshire. They work in a variety of ways depending on the client, such as proving more information through to doing group work or offering you one-to-one support.
change grow live
Change Grow Live offers a series of drug and alcohol treatment and support services for people in Luton, including a dedicated service for young people.
Path to recovery
Path to Recovery is a one stop shop for drug and alcohol support services in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. This includes drop-in services in Bedford and Dunstable
TALK TO FRANK
Frank offers honest and practical advice about all sorts of different drugs, as well as advice around what to do if you have concerns about a friend.
HEALTH TALK
Health talk offers information about drugs and alcohol for young people written by young people. This includes information about different substances and where to get help.