More than 170 young people given help in A&E to deal with violence

As we continue our investigation into knives in schools, we're being given access to the teams in some of Greater Manchester's hospitals who are helping children and teenagers involved in violence.

Our exclusive figures have uncovered hundreds of young people in Greater Manchester are carrying knives into school, including children as young as six.

Millions of pounds is being given to Greater Manchester's Violence Reduction Unit to try and tackle the issue.

As part of the efforts, a special project has been created in four of the region's hospitals which treat a high volume of violence related trauma in young people.

It means young people aged 10-25 who turn up to A&E at Royal Bolton, Salford Royal, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Royal Manchester's Children's hospital will be given access to youth 'Navigators'.

It's their job to help them to cope and recover from their experience, and assist with access to local support networks to prevent the potential of further violence.

'They're children - they're not necessarily bad people'

Since launching in May 2021, 176 young people have been referred with most of them aged between 13 and 17.

Victims Lead at the Violence Reduction Unit, Dave Gilbride, says it's already making a big difference.

"They may get treated for their injuries and walk out of the hospital.

"You've got potential then of revictimisation or perhaps retaliation so it's a really good opportunity for the 'Navigators' to engage with young people and explore what their options are going forward."

It's hoped by working with young people it will provide a better understanding of why and how they're becoming involved in violence.

"It's shocking to think how many are involved, or become involved with knife-crime, because of childhood experiences. What we need to understand is that they're children - they're not necessarily bad people.

"What we really need to do is understand what is likely to cause a young person to become an offender, who might have been impacted by violence or witnessed it. We need to focus on victims but also understand the offending behaviour too."

The team are now also working closely with Northwest Ambulance Service, accepting referrals from paramedics attending incidents of violence. There also plans to provide preventative support in schools and colleges.

You can find details of how to make a referral here: www.oasishuboldham.org/navigator/

Finding support

If you are concerned or have any information about knife crime, you can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk or call us on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you would like to provide information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

Young people can give information 100% anonymously by contacting the charity Fearless at www.fearless.org.

They can also get involved in the I Am Greater campaign, which unites young people against violence by choosing to say ‘violence isn’t me … I am greater’.