Family of Walsall murder victim launch petition for compulsory education on dangers of knife crime
The James Brindley Foundation wants the Department for Education to include knife crime prevention on the curriculum.
Last updated 3rd May 2023
The family of a young man who was stabbed to death in Walsall have started a petition to get knife crime prevention on the national curriculum.
James Brindley was murdered in Aldridge on 23 June 2017, as he walked home from a night out with friends.
The 26-year-old was stabbed in the heart not far from his home by Ammar Kahrod, who was jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years.
Following his death, James' family, alongside social care and health professionals, set up a charity and educational programme in his name, dedicated to raising awareness and tackling all the issues surrounding youth violence and to raise funds to enable the charity to deliver its programme educating children and young people.
The James Brindley Foundation has now launched a petition calling on the Department for Education to introduce education around the prevention of knife crime into schools.
Why is compulsory education needed?
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show knife crime offences increased 10% to 49,027 in the year to March 2022 in England and Wales, up a third since 2010/11.
Mark Brindley, James' dad, said: "There is no national programme of education for children and young people, and no targeted guidelines in the curriculum for such behaviours or prevention.
"That is why, after meeting with MPs, community members and other agencies, the James Brindley Foundation is asking for immediate action."
“Every signature will have a direct impact on saving lives, everyone should do it and feel proud that they have contributed to a vital step-change in our children’s education.
“This petition is just another way the Foundation is taking action to realise our vision that no one walks in fear of youth violence”.
David Miller, a trustee of the James Brindley Foundation, said: "As a Social Worker and parent I have become more and more concerned over the past decade for the welfare of young people of all backgrounds on our streets.
“I believe now is the time for all communities to stand together and demand education in knife crime prevention as a vital part for our children’s development”.
The Department for Education is currently reviewing Relationships, Sex and Health Education alongside experts in health, children’s development and safeguarding.
The Foundation believes now is the time to introduce the prevention of knife crime into RSHE so schools can educate children in a programme of consequential thinking.
If you'd like to support this campaign, you can sign the petition here.