A new project has been set up to keep young people safe from knife crime in Woolwich.

The scheme will be launching next month and will increase awareness around the risks and consequences of carrying a knife.

The Woolwich Together project will offer 20 sessions to up to 700 young people to help them understand the realities of carrying a weapon and offer tips on staying safe and avoiding conflict.

The sessions will also incorporate sports, games and other activities to help young people stay positively engaged.

Some will also be available to parents to offer them greater understanding and insight into the issues around knives and other weapons, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to discuss and address any concerns with their children.

The aim of Woolwich Together is to help prevent weapons crime and debunk commonly held myths such as carrying a knife offers a young person protection and safety.

The project has come about as a result of a successful application to the Home Office’s Knife Crime Community Fund by charity St Giles Trust and Woolwich-based organisation B Young Stars.

Evan Jones, head of community services at St Giles Trust, said: “Through our other work across London, young people tell us that they carry weapons out of fear and we have seen the tragic consequences of this.

"Our role is to help reduce this fear, equip young people with other ways of staying safe and help them stay engaged with positive activities.

"We are delighted to be working alongside B Young Stars to help prevent young people from becoming future victims.”

The sessions will run from October until March 2019 at Woolwich Common Youth Club and Barnfield Hub where B Young Stars is currently delivering its sessions.

For further information contact info@byoungstars.com