ABOUT

No knives, better lives 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.

Youth Workers, click here for all the information and help you need to get young people talking about knife crime.

Supporters of No knives, better lives.

Speak Up Inverclyde
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.”

Councillor Robert Moran
Convener of Safe, Sustainable Communities, Inverclyde Council:

"Inverclyde is glad to be at the forefront of this campaign. There is nothing to be gained from carrying a knife. At best you could be arrested and fined, or you could find yourself serving a life sentence for murder having taken someone's life.

We need to get the message across that it won't be tolerated in our society and we must educate people, especially the young, to think twice before carrying a knife."

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan
Head of the Violence Reduction Unit:

"Violence, whenever it occurs and whatever form it takes, is abhorrent and will not be tolerated in 21st century Scotland. It's not just victims and offenders who are affected, it's families, cities, our economy and the reputation of our country. But the fact that we are tackling this wicked problem shows how great a country we are. We will need to do some brave things in the next few years, so that Scotland becomes a safer place for all our children.

The police in Scotland have been concerted in their efforts to tackle violence. The level of activity is unprecedented with over ¼ million stop-searches in Strathclyde alone in the last year. Yet we cannot police our way out of this. We cannot be at every party, in every house or on every street corner where violence happens. Violence is everyone's problem. While the police will be unrelenting on those who perpetrate violence and carry weapons, we must also focus our resources on preventing these dreadful crimes, and that is why this initiative should be welcomed."

Rob Yanders
Professional basketball player, Scottish Rocks:

“No Knives Better Lives is a successful programme. Being educated about things that are happening in the world is so important. We have to continue to bring positive role models in to speak to these young people about different lifestyles.

Young people should hear this message from as many different role models so that they can hopefully relate to at least one. It’s important that we give them someone to look up to- teachers, athletes, parents and even friends.

I feel I made an impact with these young people because I am a successful role model who can relate to them. I allow them to get to know me. I am honest with them, I tell them my life story, I empathize and I understand. When they see a success story, it inspires and motivates them to change”

Information for Youth Workers

No knives, better lives is a campaign which encourages young people to think and talk about how carrying a knife can affect their future and the lives of their family and friends.

The aim is to give young people good reasons not to carry a knife and encourage them to get involved in other activities.

It’s not about preaching or scaremongering. It’s about getting the facts out there and giving them better reasons to say no to knives.

With Scottish Government support, the No knives, better lives message can be heard in cinema adverts, online films, local events and on our website. And it’s really catching on. Young people across the country are thinking twice about carrying a knife and getting involved in other stuff instead.

But we can’t keep the campaign going without your support. There are loads of different ways to get involved or start something in your area. Check out the Resources section for all the information and help you need.