The violence reduction unit at Barts Health NHS Trust in London is set to receive £9.4 million extra investment to support youth intervention programmes while treating knife crime victims in hospitals.

Since 2022, over 3,100 young people have been supported across London thanks to the violence reduction programme, which has significantly reduced the number of people deemed high-risk for further violence. Engagement with young workers resulted in a reported 77 per cent reduction in young people being at risk of harm, and 73 per cent of young people felt safer post-intervention.

In a visit from the mayor of London and Diana Johnson MP, minister for crime and policing to The Royal London hospital, the team showcased how collaboration between the Major Trauma Team, Tower Hamlets Council, and the St Giles Trust have helped reduce violence in the capital.

Professor Martin Griffiths CBE DL FRCSEd, consultant trauma surgeon at The Royal London Hospital and clinical director of the Violence Reduction Network for NHS England, explained: “When a young person arrives with a knife injury, we have the chance to do more than just treat their wounds. By embedding youth work in hospitals, we can address the root causes of violence, which greatly reduces the chance of re-injury and re-admission.”

Youth workers based in hospitals have a vital role in intervening at the ‘reachable, teachable moment’, which is when young people are most open to changing their behaviour, whether that be upon arrival to hospital with injuries or after being arrested.

These interventions have meant that The Royal London Hospital has thankfully seen a 20 per cent reduction in re-admittance rates from young people who accept support from multiple agencies including St Giles.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, emphasised: “I’m committed to tackling violence and building a safer London by addressing the complex causes of crime. The Violence Reduction Unit, funded by my office, focuses on prevention and investing in young people. I welcome the government’s support in continuing these effective interventions.”