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'Knife crime awareness week is a crucial time to remember': Pooja Kanda speaks out as anti-knife campaign launches

Charities, victims, police forces and government officials will come together as part of a new major operation to tackle Britain's knife epidemic.

By Daniel Walton
Published

Knife Crime Awareness Week, which starts today and lasts until May 25, will see organisations and official bodies nation-wide come together to tackle the ongoing issue of knife crime.

The theme for this year is 'Make Change Happen', with a week long initiative being led by the knife crime prevention charity, the Ben Kinsella Trust. 

The trust was established by Booke Kinsella MBE, and her parents, Deborah and George, in memory of Ben, 16, who was tragically murdered in 2008 as a result of a knife attack in London.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, is to double the number of weapon surrender bins in the region from 32 to 64
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has said he will double the number of weapon surrender bins in the region from 32 to 64

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Launching the week of action, Brooke said: "Ben has now been gone from our lives longer than we ever had him. It’s been seventeen years since his murder, and the pain never stops.  He should be in the prime of his life. 

"Through the Ben Kinsella Trust, our family has relentlessly pursued the goal of ending knife crime, but we know that we can’t do this alone. 

"Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights the work that is being done to help tackle this and to ensure other families don’t experience the trauma and pain that we all went through. I’d encourage everyone to get involved, because we all have a role to play in stopping knife crime."

The Ben Kinsella Trust was established by former Eastenders star Brooke Kinsella following her bother's death
The Ben Kinsella Trust was established by former Eastenders star Brooke Kinsella following her bother's death

The campaign this year, now in it's third year, aims to focus on tackling the rooting out knife crime where it exists, highlighting the collaboration that already exists, shine a light on grassroot support helping those affected and reminding the public of the role they have on battling the epidemic.

Throughout the week, a variety of events will take place across the country, with aims on showcasing the diverse approaches being implemented to prevent knife crime, support victims and educate young people. 

Among those supporting the campaign is Pooja Kanda, mother of Ronan Kanda, also 16, who was fatally stabbed in 2022 in a case of mistaken identity. 

Pooja Kanda, mother of murdered Ronan Kanda, visited Lanesfield Primary School, Wolverhampton, to talk to children about knife crime.
Pooja Kanda, mother of Ronan Kanda, who was killed in a case of mistaken identity, has been campaigning to stop knife crime

Ms Kanda said: "Losing my son Ronan to knife crime has left an unimaginable void in our lives. Knife Crime Awareness Week is a crucial time to remember all those affected by this senseless violence. 

"We must educate our young people about the devastating consequences and build a society where carrying a knife is never seen as an option. 

"Let Ronan’s memory inspire us all to take action and build a safer, brighter future for every child."