Episode description

How do we prevent young people from becoming involved in knife crime? Joshua speaks to 'Jay' who began carrying a knife in his early teens before being helped to change his perspective, and his life.

We explore the link between school exclusions and crime, and hear that workshops using graphic evidence to deter young people from carrying a knife can be counterproductive.

We also find out about innovative policing methods to deter young people from carrying knives, or, if they've been caught already, try and get them back onto the right track without prosecuting them in court or sending them to prison. Can treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy and mentoring, as well as help with education or employment, help young people turn their lives round?

Contributors: 'Jay' who carried knives as a young person Robin Lockhart, Director of Development, Catalyst in Communities Dr Charlotte Coleman, Deputy Head of Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University Aika Stephenson, Co-Founder and Legal Director, Just for Kids Law Dr Peter Neyroud, Associate Professor, Cambridge University Institute of Criminology Bruce Houlder KC, founder, Fighting Knife Crime London

Producer: Arlene Gregorius Researchers: Marianna Brain and Diane Richardson Editor: Tara McDermott Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison