The knife Angel Chelmsford visit focussed on a forms of youth violence and exploitation. During the process of organising the vigil, Keep It 100 Youth CIC had sought to promote awareness of any national incentives that existed relating to all forms of youth violence, there was nothing and so the process of creating provision for reflecting on the issue began.

As part of the commitment to hosting Knife Angel, the obligation to hold a vigil was overseen in the early days of planning (November 2019)

During preparation for initial media release for The Knife Angel visit to Chelmsford, it was established there was no day to highlight national awareness on the issue of Youth Violence (March 2021)

National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Youth Violence initiative, began (March 2021)

Knife Angel Chelmsford vigil approved by Chelmsford City Council to include the the statue lit as purple in recognition of lives lost (April 2021)

Invites were extended via social media and our networks to encourage communities across the UK to hold a vigil to coincide with Knife Angel sunset vigil (July 2021)

Liverpool, Preston and Leicester were invited and accepted (July 2021)

Leicester vigil- our partner in Leicester sadly passed away (July 2021)

Local government agencies, prominent local figures, as well as representatives of the Home Office were invited, alongside victims of youth violence and affected families (September 2021)

Annual national vigil

Encourage conversation around the process of exploitation, focusing on the roots of the story rather than end of the story (loss of life or a catastrophic and irreversible mental / physical injury)

Inspire a nationwide proactive attitude towards the issue, rather than the current reactive mentality

 Educate the general public on the spectrum of Youth Violence, inspiring community initiatives, rather than the current rhetoric that the Government and statutory agencies are solely responsible for rising youth violence. Youth Violence is a collective issue and we all have a role to play in tackling the issue

Create a collective responsibility when tackling Youth Violence, encouraging the support of local youth with community-based initiatives

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Primary objective

To decrease mortality rates through promoting awareness within the community, encouraging members of society to help drive down Youth Violence, comparable awareness campaigns and their respective success’ include (Movember, Breast Cancer Awareness, Mental Ill Health Awareness…)