This week, from 20–26 May 2025, the Godwin Lawson Foundation proudly stood alongside a network of dedicated organisations to mark Knife Crime Awareness Week. Our mission has always been to empower young people, prevent violence, and create safer communities, and this week’s activities reflected that unwavering commitment.
Over the years, we have engaged with more than 10,000 people including young people, parents, educators, and community leaders to offer education, support, and hope. This year, our team delivered a packed schedule of events across London to spark critical conversations and equip young people with the tools they need to make positive choices.
Monday: Enfield Chase School Assembly
We began the week by speaking to over 180 students at Enfield Chase School. The assembly focused on the impact of knife crime, the power of peer pressure, and the importance of making positive life choices. Through lived-experience stories and open discussion, we gave young people the knowledge and confidence to resist harmful influences.
Tuesday: Recognition at The King’s Garden Party
Our founder, Yvonne Lawson MBE, was honoured with an invitation to attend His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. This recognition highlighted her tireless work and the impact our foundation has had in preventing youth violence and supporting communities across London.
Wednesday: National Theatre Visit
On Wednesday, we accompanied 25 students from Dukes Academy to see This is England at the National Theatre. For many of these young people, it was their first time experiencing live theatre. This trip was part of our broader commitment to enriching young lives through access to culture and expanding horizons.
Thursday: Spurs Kicks Football Programme
At the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Kicks Football Programme, we engaged with young people through sport. Football offers a powerful opportunity to discuss knife crime prevention, build positive identities, and reinforce the message that there are alternatives to violence.
Friday: Wood Green Crown Court – Knife Crime Awareness Evening
Our final event was a memorable Knife Crime Awareness Evening at Wood Green Crown Court. Over 30 young people, parents, and practitioners joined us for a behind-the-scenes look at the justice system, including conversations with judges, lawyers, and police officers.
The programme featured contributions from:
HHJ Dodd KC, HHJ Walker, and HHJ Deacon KC – welcoming attendees and sharing insights into the justice system
Dr Maryam – discussing violence reduction strategies
Yvonne Lawson MBE – sharing a mother’s powerful perspective on loss and hope
Sergeant Adam Lawton (Haringey Police I.C.E Team) – explaining the role of the police in community safety
Stephen Akinsanya (15NBS) – sharing his personal journey into law and the harsh realities of knife crime
Dez Brown (Spark2Life Project) – offering lived-experience insights into resilience and recovery
In parallel with this event, we also delivered specialist training to criminal justice practitioners on how to engage with at-risk young people and support them effectively.
A massive thank you to Stephen Akinsanya for organising this exceptional programme, and a heartfelt thanks to all the judges and speakers for their invaluable contributions. These conversations provided real insight, understanding, and—most importantly—hope for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
Knife Crime Awareness Week 2025 has been an opportunity not only to raise awareness but to take meaningful action. Through education, cultural enrichment, sport, and justice system engagement, we have helped young people see a path forward—one that is free from violence and full of promise.
The Godwin Lawson Foundation will continue this work every day of the year, striving for safer communities and brighter futures for all.