Gun and Knife Crime MUST Stop. But How?

In the 12 months to March 2022, there were 49,027 knife crimes recorded in England & Wales, many involving young adults. One every ten minutes. While you are reading this there will be another victim of knife crime somewhere in the UK. Then, in the 8 months from May to December 2022, there have been 8 innocent women and one young girl murdered in Liverpool. Most recently, Elle Edwards, 26, on Christmas Eve, whilst out in Wallasey, innocently celebrating with family and friends.

This cycle of violence has to be stopped.?

Alongside former boxer Tony Bellew and MMA fighter Molly McCann, Weapons Down Gloves Up (WDGU) have developed a programme to channel the desperation of these young people into positive energy. Boxing and MMA can instil confidence, discipline and self-respect in young people who lack these essential life skills.?

The aim is to reduce violent crime among young adults across the Liverpool City Region and show them there is another path.?

How will this be achieved?

WDGU works with local gyms and coaches. The coaches, already respected role models within their communities, will become WDGU accredited. They receive tangible support to take on young adults from the WDGU programme.

At the same time, everyone on the WDGU programme will receive up to 12 weeks of mostly non-academic education to provide them with the best chance of gaining full-time employment and, often for the first time in their lives, have a positive outlook for the future. We provide education and employment in mostly non-academic sectors like construction, hospitality, personal training, media and marketing.

Why not get involved? WDGU, Molly and Tony are looking for people and organisations to join them:?

• As a potential employer??
• As a sponsor or funding partner??
• Volunteer your time??
• Or join WDGU as an approved gym??

Message us here or see www.weaponsdownglovesup.co.uk for more information and to contact WDGU to discuss how you can help us achieve the mission.?

If just one life can be saved from violent crime, it will be worth it.