This #VolunteersWeek, Reindolf Asanate-Manu shared with us all the wonderful volunteering work he has been doing for knife violence. 

My volunteering journey has been growing and fulfilling. Throughout my life, I have done pockets of various voluntary activities. I have always had a sense of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. From working with local charities to participating in environmental clean-up projects, I have learnt a lot along the way.

Specifically, about four months ago, a few of my friends and I decided to start a youth education programme on knife violence. We recognised the urgent need to address this issue and provide young people with the knowledge and resources to prevent such violence. We formed a small team of four dedicated individuals and planned organising education meetings in different communities across London and other parts of the UK.

In our education meetings, we focused on raising awareness about the consequences of knife violence and providing practical strategies for conflict resolution and non-violent communication. We have had two meetings so far and each meeting was carefully planned and included speakers with lived experiences (ex gang members) who shared valuable insights and experiences related to the issue.

Though we haven't had a lot of these meetings, we have witnessed positive changes within the community we have reached so far. The young people who attended our education meetings have shown a greater understanding of the dangers associated with gangs and  knife violence and have expressed a desire to find to focus their time on other productive activities. We have received feedback from participants who have shared how our sessions have influenced them to rethink their choices and adopt non-violent approaches.

Beyond the immediate impact on individuals, our work also aims to have a ripple effect within the community. By raising awareness and initiating discussions about knife violence, we want to spark conversations among parents, educators, and community leaders. This will lead to a collective effort to address the issue more effectively, with more people joining our cause and offering their support.

Whilst our journey is still in its early stages, we remain committed to expanding our education programme and reaching more communities. We believe that by empowering young people with knowledge and promoting a culture of non-violence, we can contribute to a safer and more harmonious society.