Knife Crime is a horrific cancer that seems to be growing in society. Our mission is to raise awareness of knife crime and to educate and empower people to make better choices.
Mikes Trust Mission
Like a cruel disease, the prevalence of knife crime in society is spreading. No longer restricted to city areas, rural communities are being blighted by this cruel crime. We cannot let Michael’s life count for nothing. Our endless loss means we have an overwhelming desire to turn the horrific end to Michael’s life into something positive. The MIKES Trust will have simple beginnings, but over time we intend to make our activities much broader. Key to all that we will do will be increasing awareness of knife crime. We aim to do all we can to bring information and education to key groups in society to reduce the number of knives being carried. We hope to support families like ours, who unfortunately will become victims of knife crime in the future. We are aware that we have a very long road ahead of us and this journey will need the support of so many people. We cannot thank enough all those that have already pledged or given support. We also thank those that in the future will join in a chorus of “enough is enough, this must end”.
We intend to use a combination of fundraising, awareness programs, political lobbying and media activity to increase the public awareness of knife crime.
Collaboration
Many voices are louder than one. As just one entity we will struggle to be heard, but there are a huge number of other charities and organisations already doing this work and sharing our tragic journey. We are determined to add our voice to theirs to raise the size of the anti-knife crime lobby.
Education
Social awareness and education about knife crime is key. As a society we are ignorant of not only the amount of knife crime, but also, it’s devastating effects of families, friends and communities. Our aim will be to use our voice to drive greater levels of education targeted at those most likely to take up the path of carrying a knife. Trained persons will develop a dedicated education programme to be delivered in schools, Pupil Referral Units, Youth Groups and Youth Offender units.
Petition
Knife crime has insufficient importance in the justice system with only 31% of knife crimes being prosecuted. Political awareness of knife crime is woeful as it is not highlighted in the news feed as politicians are more concerned with sewage on our beaches than they are about dead children in the streets. Through lobbying of the media, politicians and the justice system we will ask them to give this matter the attention it really deserves.
Promotion
We will work closely with many groups and organisations to establish a wide range of regular fund-raising events. Michael had many hobbies and interests from sports to surfing, cider to cars and the friends and contacts he developed through these avenues have offered their support in setting up a range of events from rugby tournaments to drift festivals.
Inclusion
Knife crime doesn’t only affect the families, friends and communities of the victim, it also has a devastating and last impact on the families, friends, and communities of the aggressor. We aim to work with other charities and organisations to support everyone affected by knife crime.