“This keeps me engaged, helps me avoid trouble, and ensures I’m always occupied. Additionally, the work we’re involved in provides me with a clearer vision of my future aspirations.”
Dan, 17, expressed these thoughts in Croydon, south London, regarding a program named My Ends, which is funded by the city’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and connects young individuals with mentors.
He elaborated: “If I were left to my own devices and didn’t have someone like James guiding me, I might find myself engaging in all kinds of activities, like potentially selling drugs or getting caught up in situations I shouldn’t be in.”
“For me, I can concentrate on construction studies in college, and on top of that, music also plays a significant role in my life.”
His mentor, James Watkins, the founder of Mainzworld, described his role as “deeply rewarding and critically important.”
Watkins noted: “Many young people require considerable engagement and effective programs to redirect their lives, while others simply need support.”
“Some of them haven’t completely veered off course, but they are at risk due to the circumstances and environment they inhabit.”
Data from the VRU shows a decrease in violence involving injuries, with 6,000 fewer incidents (an 8.5% reduction) reported in the year leading up to October compared to the previous year. Knife crime has also fallen by 12.6%, resulting in 2,104 incidents.
During the same time frame, NHS admissions in London dropped by 7%, and the teenage homicide rate decreased to seven in 2025, down from 11 at this same point last year.
Nonetheless, overall knife-related offenses—including homicide, threats to kill, and robbery—have remained stable in the year leading up to June, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Lib Peck, director of the VRU, stated: “This indicates a clear need to maintain our focus on prevention efforts. We absolutely must prioritize long-term investment in preventive measures and expand upon the many initiatives that are demonstrating effectiveness.”
“It’s often the opportunity and confidence that a mentor or youth worker provides that makes a difference. We must ensure that the support system functions cohesively around each young person.”
“This support can be found in various settings, whether in hospitals, custody suites, or communities facing persistent challenges related to poverty and violence. Meaningful change can only come from committed long-term preventive efforts.”
Joseph Amuah, CEO of Ignite Young Minds, remarked on the diminishing spaces available for youth to gather, which has left an impact on the streets of London.
“The situation has changed significantly from my youth when there were numerous local youth clubs available to us, which was incredibly beneficial.”
“Back then, there wasn’t the issue of postcode rivalry— I could travel freely to places like Croydon, Streatham, Norbury, or Brixton without any problems.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated that the government is taking “decisive, practical measures” aimed at cutting knife crime in half over the next decade.
“We are implementing new regulations to prevent the illegal sale of knives online and reinforcing bans on items like zombie knives, machetes, and ninja swords. So far, nearly 60,000 knives have been removed from our streets.”
“Our collaborative strategy to address firearms trafficking and misuse has led to a reduction in offenses to their lowest level since 2015.”
“We continue to support the London Violence Reduction Unit in their efforts to prevent and mitigate serious violence across the city.”
