Staffordshire Police's ongoing Ditch the Blade campaign is to focus on the impact knife crime has on parents and families next week.

Between 15 – 21 November, supporting Operation Sceptre, police and partners will highlight the impact of knife crime through engagement and advice, while operationally using intelligence-led deployments, weapons sweeps and high-visibility patrols to target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives. They will also be visiting retailers in order to remind staff of their responsibilities when knives are purchased.

Officers and police community support officers will be reaching out to the public, including young people and parents. They will be encouraging conversations about the dangers of carrying a knife and providing leaflets for families so they know what to do if they are concerned about their child being involved in knife crime.

There will also be an online forum around knife crime taking place on 18 November at 7pm-8pm. Questions from the public will be answered by representatives from the Police.

Rob Hessell, Chief Inspector at Staffordshire Police, said: "Knife crime can affect families from various backgrounds and areas. It is important we break down the stigma and encourage open and honest discussion on the topic.

"Parents and families can help to prevent knife crime. Speak to your children about the issues, about their thoughts, worries etc around it and encourage open and honest discussion. Most young people carry due to fear of others carrying, when in fact the reality is only 1 in a 100 carry.

"We need to work together - It requires the commitment, not only of a range of agencies, but also of the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to prevent the loss of life and permanent physical and psychological damage that serious violence can cause.

"If you are worried about a child and think they are involved with knife crime, visit our website for advice."

Chit Chat 4 U, a group who support parents of those who are victims of or involved in gangs, youth violence and knife crime, is supporting the Ditch the Blade campaign.

Larissa Cooke from the group said: "The Chit Chat 4 U group were humbled to be asked to be involved in the campaign to highlight the impact that knife crime can have on the whole family. Parents from our group who have lived experiences have shared their stories, which shows it can happen to any family. We want to encourage open and honest discussions about knife crime to break down the stigma and stereotypes often associated with this."

While there has been a five per cent decrease in knife crime in Staffordshire over the past year, Rob highlights the dangers of carrying a knife and what the consequences could be: "When you carry a knife, you are risking everything. Prison, being a victim of crime and even ending up in hospital are all real risks. Beyond this, knife crime has devastating personal effects on you, your friends and your family.

"While some young people pick up a knife to feel safer, they don't realise that carrying it makes them more likely to get into serious danger. A knife can escalate things way out of your control, and make a bad situation much worse.

"If you are worried that a friend may be carrying a knife or you feel like you are being pressured into doing so, there is help available."