No Knives Better Lives

The campaign No knives, better lives from Scotland was launched in June 2009 to get the word out about the dangers of carrying a knife. It brought together several groups of young people who were already making a stand against knife crime in their area. Today the campaign can be seen in posters, cinema adverts, online films and chalk stencils.

The video above is the latest campaign item.

Caitlin Herton (16): “Many of us know people who have been affected by knife crime and so we really want to do more to help tackle the problem in Inverclyde.  The No Knives campaign is a chance for us to help raise awareness of knife crime and the problems it causes – for knife carriers as well as their families, friends and the local community.
We’re taking a stand to show that we want to make things better in our home towns, and we’re asking our friends, families and people living here to do the same by pledging their support.”

In support of the campaign, Councillor Robert Moran, Convener of Inverclyde Council’s Safe, Sustainable Communities Committee said:
“This is yet another innovative and imaginative approach to getting the message across that carrying knives is unacceptable. We have to persuade young people that there are no winners when it comes to knife crime and getting them using their creative energies in a positive fashion can only helps get that message across.”

No Knives, Better Lives activity was piloted in Inverclyde Scotland. Local groups are getting involved by holding consultations with young people to get their views on the issue of knife crime. They are also incorporating campaign messaging into their own diversionary activities in order to engage and educate young people on the issue and encourage them to say no to knives online at www.noknivesbetterlives.com.

An embalmer’s view of a knife crime victim:

A paramedic’s view of a knife crime victim:

November 2009, New equipment put through its paces in Partick station in Glasgow:

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