Sussex Youth Knife Crime Project Bags National Award
A groundbreaking initiative tackling knife crime and violence among Sussex youth has scooped a prestigious national honour.
Hospital Youth Work Project Shines
The Hospital Youth Work Project, launched in April 2022, supports young people who arrive at hospital after violent incidents, including knife wounds and serious injuries. It has already helped around 400 vulnerable youngsters get vital early support.
The project won the coveted Safeguarding Award at the 2023 Children & Young People (CYP) Now Awards, held at London’s exclusive Hurlingham Club on 23 November.
Backed by Sussex VRP and Local Charities
Run by the Trust for Developing Communities (TDC), the project is funded by the Sussex Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and Brighton’s Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Yates, the force lead on knife crime, said: “In the last five years, we’ve seen more teenagers coming in with not just physical injuries but serious mental health struggles too.”
Plans to Expand Across Sussex
Tanya Mackay, manager of Sussex VRP, hailed the award win as “fantastic” and revealed plans to roll the project out across hospitals in Sussex.
She said: “The TDC’s model works nationally. Brighton & Hove commissioned it because they know the impact it can have. We’re thrilled they’ve won this award!”
