It’s important that every young person doesn’t let the labels placed on them—by circumstance or the system—hold them back. We shouldn’t allow those limitations to stop us from achieving what others have shown is possible: greatness. Every single young person is destined for it.”
Sosa Henkoma
a question of colour – Knife crime awareness episode
As part of generous funding from the Mayor of London’s New Deal for Young People, Routes2Success has been able to expand our work in London secondary schools to run special, expert-led race equality action projects.
In January 2025, we launched a Race Equality Action Project (REAP) with a group of Year 8 and 9 boys from Brentside High School in Ealing, taking on one of the most complex and urgent issues affecting young people today: knife crime.
Over the course of several months, the students explored the realities behind the headlines, culminating in a powerful Knife Crime Awareness episode for A Question of Colour—a podcast originally developed through a previous REAP project that tackled the everyday challenges faced by young Black boys in the UK.
The project began with workshops introducing key facts and statistics around knife crime in the UK. Through guided discussions and interactive sessions, the students explored the reasons why some young people might be drawn to carrying knives, the myths that surround these choices, and—most importantly—the positive steps they can take to keep themselves and their communities safe.
By the time the recording sessions began, the boys were well-informed, confident, and ready to speak up. They brought not just curiosity and openness, but a real determination to challenge the narratives that sometimes glamorise violence.
A standout moment in the project was engaging with a range of respected and high-profile guests. These included Knife crime awareness campaigner, Pooja Kanda, Clinical Director for Violence Reduction at NHS London Dr Martin Griffiths, Ben Kinsella Trust CEO, Patrick Green and Sosa Henkoma, a passionate advocate committed to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. The student also engaged with representatives from the Metropolitan Police through interviewing through out the project.
Each guest brought unique insight—from lived experience and professional expertise to frontline work with young people—helping the boys develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of knife crime’s causes, consequences, and impact.
Throughout the project, one message rang clear: there is nothing glamorous about knife crime. The boys were determined to share this message with their peers. While carrying a knife is sometimes seen as a form of protection or status, the reality—legal, physical, and emotional—is often devastating.
These hard truths are explored openly and courageously in the latest episode of A Question of Colour.
By Liam Campbell, Local Project Engagement Officer, Routes2Success
Listen to the podcast:
Listen episodes, as they’re released, on our Soundcloud or Spotify!
We’re always looking for volunteers with skills and experience to lead similar projects such as this. Get in touch with us at hello@Actionforraceequality.org.uk or register your interest below!