Charlton Athletic will raise awareness for Street Violence Ruins Lives (SVRL) at the weekend, with Saturday’s fixture against Millwall dedicated to the campaign.
In May 2008 Rob Knox; a talented young actor and Charlton supporter, was tragically stabbed to death outside a bar in Sidcup.
Charlton Athletic, the Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) and Knox family joined together shortly after Rob’s death, to deliver an education programme throughout Greenwich and Bexley, aiming to teach young people of the dangers of carrying a knife and belonging to a gang.
CACT’s unique Crime Reduction Programme that continues to impact on the lives of young people.
The programme works with local authorities, police and prisons to engage young people who are either at risk of becoming involved or are already involved in the criminal justice system.
The Crime Reduction team works with first time offenders, prolific offenders and young people at risk of custodial sentences. CACT has also undertaken ground-breaking work in engaging volunteers and the employment of long term prison inmates who work alongside CACT officers.
Rob Knox’s parents, Colin and Sally, are members of the SVRL Committee with Sally being employed by CACT as a life coach and actively supports work in schools and in targeted areas of high youth crime.
Her story always has a powerful impact on young people on CACT Crime Prevention programmes.
Speaking before the game, CACT’s outgoing Crime Reduction Manager Nick Darvill said: “The bravery and dedication of people like Sally; who are dedicated to changing attitudes, really deserve celebrating.
But there is still much work to do. Violent Crime increased by 7.3% across London last year so vigilance and a focus on changing attitudes towards street violence remains vital.”