A Story of Trust and Safety – Supporting Mo’s Decision to Make Safer Choices #DitchTheBlade

At TWMAD, we work with young people facing significant challenges, helping them make safer, healthier choices through 1:1 mentoring support. Mo is one such young person.

Vulnerable and at risk, he has been involved in county lines, associated with concerning friendships, and witnessed violence that no young person should experience. Despite these challenges, our aim is to guide him toward positive change.

During a recent session, Mo disclosed something that surprised even our experienced mentor: he had access to a knife. Mo explained that he felt he needed it for protection, but he was also deeply conflicted about carrying it. He was concerned about the harm it could cause and the consequences of using it.

In that moment, our mentor created a space for Mo to talk through the situation and explore different scenarios. The conversation allowed Mo to reflect on the real dangers of carrying a weapon, both for himself and for others. After a thoughtful discussion, Mo made the decision to hand the knife over to his mentor, understanding that keeping it would only lead to more harm.

Mo felt ashamed of having the knife and requested confidentiality, not wanting anyone to know. Respecting his wishes while prioritising his safety, our mentor took the knife to the local police station and safely disposed of it in the knife amnesty bin.

https://violencereductionalliance.co.uk/ditch-the-blade/

This act was not just about removing the immediate danger but also about reinforcing the importance of making safer, more responsible choices.

Our work with Mo continues. We are committed to educating him on the risks of carrying knives and reinforcing the importance of seeking alternative ways to protect himself without resorting to violence.

The journey toward change is not always easy for the children we are working with but moments like this show the impact that can be had when they have a trusting relationship with a mentor.

We remain dedicated to supporting young people like Mo, helping them to make better choices.

This story also highlights the importance of national campaigns like Ditch the Blade, which aim to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying knives and encourage young people to make safer choices.

#DitchTheBlade

The Ditch the Blade campaign is a powerful initiative designed to provide support, guidance, and resources for young people who may be at risk of becoming involved with knives or violence.

At TWMAD, we are proud to stand alongside such efforts, and through our mentoring support, we continue to emphasise the importance of making positive decisions, staying safe, and finding better solutions to conflict.

Mo’s decision to part with the knife is just one example of the progress that can be made when young people are given the support they need at the right time.

For confidentiality, the names in this case study has been changed to protect the identities of the young people we work with.

TWMAD is a provider as part of the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Turnaround programmes. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/turnaround-programme

We will be sharing more impactful stories that we have supported as part of this youth intervention.

Email referrals@twmad.co.uk if you would like us to support a child in your care.

#DitchTheBlade #KnifeCrimeAwareness