Recent research from the Youth Endowment Fund found that 67% of 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales worry about becoming victims of violence. 1 in 5 have indeed been victims, but only 1 in 10 get help. 1 in 20 teenagers carry a weapon, with nearly half saying they do so for protection. Only 12% of children repeatedly involved in violence receive support to prevent further harm.
Over the past seven years, Children in Need funding has empowered Developing Health and Independence's Project 28 to make a significant impact in Bath and Northeast Somerset (Banes). This crucial support has enabled specialised training in local exploitation, positioning Project 28 as a leader in addressing Serious Youth Violence through a collaborative partnership with the Banes Violence Reduction Partnership.
The sustained funding has been instrumental in building trust with challenging individuals, working closely with police to intervene in critical situations. Staff have directly addressed complex issues including knife crime and family exploitation, developing deep, meaningful relationships with young people at risk.
While high-profile cases often capture attention, the project's most profound achievements are less visible. The research found that violence is concentrated among the most vulnerable, including those who are persistently absent, suspended or excluded from school; have special educational needs; are supported by a social worker; or are at risk of exploitation. Through the provision of personalised support, education and outreach work Project 28 has successfully diverted thousands of young perpetrators from criminal paths, significantly reducing first-time offender rates and helping young people make positive life choices. Many participants have been guided to voluntarily surrender weapons through police knife amnesty programs.
Avon and Somerset Police Constables Hannah Venis and Vittoria Radaelli told us: “The children we work with are often wary of the police, and there are young people who we just aren’t able to positively interact with. Children respond far more positively to Project 28, who frequently facilitate initial meetings with police and children and the information that we share between professionals is invaluable. There have been several occasions where Project 28 have introduced police to the young person in a positive manner, giving us opportunities to work with a far wider range of children than we otherwise could.
“When young people learn how to keep themselves safe this decreases the likelihood of them being in a dangerous situation and coming into frequent contact with police.”
With a track record of transformative intervention, Project 28 is well-positioned to apply for continued funding in 2026, building on its proven success in breaking cycles of youth violence and supporting vulnerable young people.
To find out more about the work Project28 do, click here: https://shorturl.at/haABH
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