Skip to main content

GROUNDED MESSAGE STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

Submitted by Editor on

This chalk-stencilled design appeared outside Drummond Community High School last week, and is a visible reminder of an important campaign playing out across the capital.

Originally launched in 2009, No Knives Better Lives aims to get across the dangers of carrying a knife, and has regional focuses in Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Here, it is a partnership between Lothian and Borders Police, City of Edinburgh Council, local schools and a variety of voluntary organisations.

It focuses on the north of the city, which has a disproportionately high level of knife crime incidents and offenders.

Roadshows go into schools to spread information and invite discussion, whilst 'diversionary activities' such as 5-aside football, gala days, music and theatre delivered by youth workers and community wardens are aimed at delivering messages and keeping young people busy.

According to its website, the campaign makes it clear that knife crime will not be tolerated. 'The programme will reach out to young people and peer groups to highlight the fact that carrying an offensive weapon is completely unacceptable.

'Partners in Edinburgh will also be working with the wider public to reassure them that we are working together to make their community safer.'