Nottingham Families Share Heartbreaking Knife Crime Stories in New Workshop
Grieving families from Nottinghamshire, who’ve lost loved ones to knife crime, are sharing their painful stories in a bold new workshop. Their raw, emotional videos are designed to shock young people into understanding the brutal reality of knife violence—and help stop more tragedies.
‘Nottingham Space’ Brings Real Voices to Knife Crime Prevention
The National Justice Museum’s Choices and Consequences workshop is getting a powerful upgrade with the launch of the Nottingham Space. This new addition features first-hand accounts from mothers, sisters, fathers, and children who have all been shattered by knife attacks across Nottinghamshire.
The project is a collaboration between Nottinghamshire Police, Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry’s Violence Reduction Unit, and the National Justice Museum.
Families Speak Out: The Cost of Carrying a Knife
Julie Jones, mother of 17-year-old Ezekiel Clarke, who was fatally stabbed in Radford in 2020, said:
“We’re families, we’re in pain and it’s awful. It’s a horrible feeling. I know grieving is grieving but they weren’t ill, they weren’t sick, they lost their life through somebody’s choice. Somebody made a decision to do that, and if they’d not they’d probably still be here today – living their life and having fun.”
Lisa Kilkenny, mum of 16-year-old Joseph Whitchurch from Stapleford, who also died in 2020, added:
“If a knife is produced, there is somebody not going home. Broken bones mend, but to have this. It’s just a devastating effect.”
Remembering The Seven Victims of Nottinghamshire Knife Crime
The Nottingham Space tells the stories of seven young people who tragically lost their lives to knife attacks across the county:
- Byron Griffin, 22, East Leake – stabbed to death in Ilkeston, 2021
- Joseph Whitchurch, 16, Stapleford – died 2020
- Ezekiel Clarke, 17, Radford – died 2020
- Lyrico Steede, 17, Bulwell – died 2018
- Johnny Parker, 43, Hyson Green – died 2015
- Joshua Bradley, 19, Bilborough – died 2015
- Nathan Somers, 19, Newark – died 2012
Powerful Impact on Young Minds
The original Choices and Consequences workshop was launched in 2019 in partnership with The Ben Kinsella Trust, inspired by the story of Ben Kinsella, tragically killed at 16 in 2008. It offers free sessions to local schoolchildren, educating them about the deadly consequences of carrying knives.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry stressed the importance of the new Nottingham Space:
“Hearing first-hand what it is like to lose a loved one to knife crime really makes you stop and think what it would mean to you if such a devastating incident happened to one of your family members. We all have a responsibility to pull together to look at knife crime, talk about what is happening and take action to prevent more knife related deaths.”
Superintendent Kathryn Craner, Nottinghamshire’s knife crime lead, said:
“The exhibition offers a powerful way of showing young people the devastating impact knife crime can have. Educating young people so they make the right choices is crucial to reducing offending and preventing these crimes.”
Free Educational Workshops Supported by Local Authorities
Thanks to funding from the Home Office, Nottinghamshire Police, the Violence Reduction Unit, Nottingham BID, and Nottingham City Council, schools and youth groups can attend the exhibition free of charge.
For more info, visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 0115 993 9811.
