SCAS launches a campaign to combat knife crime, focusing on education, first aid, and the impact of stabbings.
Official data shows lots of knife crime. Over 50,000 cases happened in a year across the UK. The Home Office says deaths are high; over 2,500 people died from stabbings in 2023.
SCAS works with Thames Valley Police, handling many stabbing calls, often emergencies. Stabbings happen often in their area, with over 2,160 occurring in a year. Oxfordshire and southeast Hampshire saw the most.
A SCAS consultant spoke about knife crime deaths, saying they are tragedies, and shared it causes trauma for many. This includes police and ambulance staff.
Some data show that efforts do work. Knife crime fell in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; offenses dropped 19% since 2022. Charities and police help educate people, teaching about knife crime facts and risks.
One charity leader, Patrick Green, stressed education. He thinks it is key to fighting knife crime and wants people to know the risks. Young people also need skills for safety and must understand the results of knife crime.
During February, SCAS will share a short film featuring a mom whose son was stabbed; she meets with a SCAS director. SCAS will also host a first aid event, working with police and Slough Council. The event teaches young people about stab wounds. SCAS will also release a first aid video for the public to learn from.