‘No More Knives’ tour visits Coventry’s secondary schools

Four secondary schools in Coventry have been taking part in a national ‘No More Knives’ tour provided by The Message Trust. 

The No More Knives tour is an award-winning initiative aimed at tackling knife crime among young people and is making a powerful impact in schools across the UK.

The project has been touring some of the city’s schools this month.

During the sessions, students listen to first-hand stories from those who have been involved in knife crime. The sessions also combine storytelling with music and education to help deliver the anti-knife crime message with more impact. 

Each session provides students with the knowledge and confidence they need to say “no” to knives and make positive choices.

The schools who welcomed the tour include, Blue Coat Church of England, West Coventry Academy, Coundon Court and Sidney Stringer.

Working with us on this tour are Coventry Council, Hope Coventry (an organisation representing local churches), The Message Trust and the West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership.

The work forms part of Coventry’s campaign to be a child friendly city – called Child Friendly Cov - and to make sure children and young people have their voice heard on matters that affect them. West Midlands Police recently launched Safe Spaces with Child Friendly Cov to ensure young people have places they can seek refuge if they feel unsafe, need to charge their phone, or need to report a crime.

Coventry Commander Chief Superintendent Paul Drover added: “Knife crime has been a constant in the headlines in recent years.  Police and partners need to work together with our communities in Coventry to protect our children and young people from becoming involved, the police cannot tackle this problem alone.”

Cllr Pat Seaman Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at the Council, said: “We are really ambitious for Coventry to be the best city in the UK for children to grow up in. Child Friendly Cov aims to create a child and young person friendly city, ensuring that Coventry is a place where children and young people feel valued, supported, and enjoy themselves.

“The No More Knives tour tackles such an important issue for young people, and it is a chance for them to explore the issues and help put into practise the positive messages highlighted in the session.”

The Message Trust is a charity with over 30 years’ experience of school’s work, who are passionate about young people knowing their true worth and identity.

Sam Ward, CEO of the Message Trust, said: “Knife crime and its devastating impact is sadly never far from the headlines today, but we know there is a better way. Though the No More Knives tour we want to show young people that knives aren’t the answer, equip them with the skills they need to say ‘no’ and let them know there is hope.”

Steve Elton, HOPE Coventry, added: “It has been wonderful to partner with the local police, council, churches and schools in being able to bring the Message Trust and their No More Knives tour into the city for the second time.

“The 2024 tour was a great success, with students and teachers in the three schools commending the empowering message and engaging delivery around the emotive, challenging and important subject of knife crime.

"We are expectant that this year’s tour will have the same notable impact as it plays its part alongside the excellent work already taking place in this area, as we stand together, with young people across Coventry to say ‘No More Knives’ in our city!"