Why we exist

Lives Not Knives is a youth led charity dedicated to preventing knife crime, serious youth violence and anti-social behaviour. In embracing a holistic approach to change, LNK aspires to not only direct young people away from negativity, but aims to engage, educate and empower all young people, guiding them towards positivity and elevated levels of emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. In doing so, we hope for a brighter future, where young people can achieve their dreams, see their strengths flourish, qualities and skills develop and ultimately grow to be the best versions of themselves.

Police statistics reveal that around 49% of those committing knife crimes in London are teenagers or younger, and thus the need to support these young people is as great as ever. Croydon also ranks as one of London’s most deprived districts for education and training as well as for crime.

Given that most of the young people referred to LNK are born into socioeconomic disadvantage and have already suffered significant trauma in their lives, LNK believes that by mentoring these young people, taking the time to understand their situation, and offering them a safe environment, we can help them to overcome obstacles in their lives and succeed.

The story so far

2007

The Beginning

Lives Not Knives (LNK) was founded in 2007 when youth violence, gang culture and youth crime was extremely prevalent in the UK. LNK began as an awareness campaign to prevent young people from carrying knives, as well as to make parents and adults aware of the true statistics concerning knife crime.

The T-shirt

The campaign started with a simple T-shirt which, in bold print, read “LIVES NOT KINIVES”. The campaign subsequently began to gather momentum, as many friends and family wanted to buy the t-shirts.

2008

"Make our streets safe"

We used the money from t-shirt sales to host a celebration for young people so they could have fun in an environment free from violence. Over 150 young people attended and signed a petition to ‘Make Our Streets Safe’. This was then handed over to Croydon Council.

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