Blog
Who can get a Hollywood megastar, the Prime Minister and two Cabinet Ministers in the same room to talk about reducing violence? Simple. The King can.
Last week I had the honour of joining His Majesty the King and a remarkable group of people at St James’s Palace for the Youth Opportunity Summit. It marked a year since the first gathering he convened on keeping children safe from violence—and once again, he brought together young people, frontline workers, community leaders, government officials, and campaigners, including, Idris Elba.
There were many conversations throughout the day. Some were difficult, reflecting the painful reality of lives lost and communities shaken by violence. I sat with parents who’ve lost their children and young people who’ve survived experiences no one their age should endure. This included the privilege of meeting Baroness Doreen Lawrence—someone I’ve long admired. Her unwavering commitment to justice is humbling, and days later I’m still a little in awe.
Amidst these powerful stories, there was something else too—something I want us all to hold on to. There were signs of hope.
Hope that comes when people with influence and power listen. Hope when those who have lost the most are given space to speak the truth about what young people need. Hope when young people themselves—full of strength, vision, and clarity—are at the centre of the conversation.
And hope because we are not standing still.
At the Summit, we launched something new: the Serious Change Funders Partnership – a collaboration between the Youth Endowment Fund, BBC Children in Need, The National Lottery Community Fund and Sport England. With the support of His Majesty, we’ve committed to work together to make a bigger, longer-lasting difference. To learn together. Lead together. And push for serious change together. All with one aim: keeping children and young people safe from involvement in violence.
It’s a commitment from our four organisations to lead the way in making sure children are safe, to listen to their voices and experiences about what works, and to share what we’re building so that other funders can join us. We want to connect, not compete—and to build something that truly lasts.
Recently, we published Beyond the Headlines 2025 – our latest look at the data behind youth violence in England and Wales. It showed us that while knife crime is down, the challenges we face are far from over.
After five years of decline, violent offending by children is now rising again. Proven violent offences by 10 to 17-year-olds rose 9% last year—the first annual increase since 2017/18. And when you look at the most serious harm, the picture is even starker. Teen homicides have risen 64% over the past decade. Among 13 to 19-year-olds, knife-related killings have more than doubled and now account for 83% of homicides in this age group.
This is what we’re responding to. Not headlines. Not panic. But evidence. And hope.
There’s much to do. Much of it very serious indeed. But we don’t do it alone. And we don’t do it without hope.
Together, we can reduce violence – for all children.
