Knife Crime

The monthly Time4Brum Christian leaders’ gathering at Birmingham City Church, Parade B1 3QQ, on Thursday 22 May will focus on the many challenges facing the city’s young people, with a special emphasis on knife crime.

Knife crime amongst young people has become an increasing concern across the West Midlands, with high-profile cases such as the murder of Leo Ross in Hall Green in January 2025, plus regular incidents of violence across the city. Behind these headlines is an anxious generation – and a generation eager to engage with faith and wanting to know more about Jesus. Birmingham has a special call to this generation. From 8.30am until 9.45am on 22 May, Christian leaders are invited to stand together to pray for young people, for parents, teachers and youth leaders, and that we might build welcoming and inspiring churches.

From 10.00am to 11.30am, the Hope Workshop will feature Christians on the front line who understand the challenges and the opportunities to impact young people. The workshop will be led by the Saltmine Theatre Company and will include the ‘Switch Up‘ production which addresses the complex, interrelated issues of knife crime, gang violence and self-identity. Incorporating multi-media and rap music, ‘Switch Up’ seeks to encourage young people to make considered and positive decisions in relation to these concerns. We want to explore how churches across the city can support Saltmine in going into the city’s schools to bring a strong message of change and hope.

Read more about the Saltmine’s Switch Up production HERE. Register to attend the leaders’ gathering at Birmingham City Church on Thursday 22 May HERE.