Knife Crime Mural
Project Overview
The project began in August 2024 with a group of 10 young people who came together to learn about blue spaces through the Blue Influencers Programme, delivered alongside our existing youth provision and Police Crime Commissioner crime prevention project and issue-based work. Their initial motivation was to take part in a residential trip that introduced them to blue spaces and the outdoors. Since then , the group has inspired wider engagement across all our youth programmes. More than 100 young people have now taken part in this PCC-funded knife crime prevention project, which has been embedded across our youth delivery in East Durham and has become central to our work around physical activity, health, and wellbeing.
The project has been delivered in all our youth sessions including:
- Seaham Seniors
- Seaham Juniors
- Dene Academy
- Peterlee Pavilion
- Blackhall
- South Hetton
Every group has played an important role in designing, creating, and completing the final mural.
Partnerships and Funders
This project has been made possible through the support of:
The Ernest Cook Trust, #iWill, The Police Crime Commissioner, Groundwork- Durham Youth Team, The Foundation of Light, Believe Housing, Million Hours Fund, Durham County Council, and Seaham Youth and Community Centre.
Project Goal
Our aim was to raise awareness of knife crime and its impact on individuals and communities. We wanted not only to educate young people but also to empower them to take part in a meaningful, powerful initiative. Drawing inspiration from the Knife Angel, created by Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre. The knife crime project has focused on raising awareness of the serious impact of knife-related violence while empowering young people to make safer choices and contribute to positive change in their communities.
Through this project, we set out to transform something devastating and hard-hitting into a positive, youth-led piece of art with a lasting impact. The statements included in the mural serve as a reminder of the seriousness of knife crime and encourage young people to think twice about carrying or being associated with weapons. All resources used were sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly.
What We Have Achieved
Through strong partnership and collaboration, we have produced an incredible piece of young person–led artwork. We have educated young people on knife crime while also building their understanding of wider issues through creative, engaging methods that leave a long-term impact on how they think, act, and make decisions.
In addition, we are currently developing a mental health mural that will also be displayed at Seaham Youth and Community Centre.
Get Involved
If you would like to volunteer or join one of our youth programmes, please contact:
Kathryn Green
📞 07900 696139
📧 kathryn.green@groundwork.org.uk
If you would like to support our community based activities, you can do so by donating to us as charity