The Make It Stop Campaign

A Community-Driven Effort to Combat Knife Crime
In October 2023, Romilla Arber met an inspirational woman, Pastor Lorraine Jones-Burrell, whose life was forever changed when her son, Dwayne, was tragically killed nine years earlier by a sword through his heart. Since that devastating loss, Pastor Lorraine has dedicated herself to strengthening her community, supporting other grieving parents, and becoming a powerful voice against the rise of knife crime on city streets. Together, Romilla and Pastor Lorraine decided that a long-term initiative was needed to turn the tide against this escalating violence.

The Make It Stop campaign was born out of this commitment to reducing the incidence of violent knife crime in cities across the UK. Knife crime is a stain on society that should concern everyone, regardless of where they live or work, or how directly they believe it impacts their lives. Make It Stop distinguishes itself from previous campaigns in three significant ways.

First, the campaign acknowledges that there is no single solution to the rising knife crime problem. Instead, it proposes that there are likely hundreds of solutions that need to be implemented collectively to make a lasting impact on this blight in our communities. Second, the approach is inherently long-term—there is no short-term fix for such a deeply rooted issue. Third, and most importantly, Make It Stop is community-led and inspired. The campaign focuses on uniting communities and creating an environment where the voices within those communities are heard and positive change follows.

The goal is to ensure that young people and their families no longer have to live in fear for their safety or pass by memorials to lives lost and wasted. Businesses, which are integral parts of these communities, are also adversely impacted by both petty and serious crime, making it even more challenging to operate.

As part of the Make It Stop Campaign, efforts are underway to improve areas within communities, making them better places to live and work. We Are Waterloo, a key partner in this effort, provides invaluable assistance in improving the environment for businesses, aligning with their mission. However, the campaign invites everyone to get involved. By following, signing up, attending meetings, and supporting the initiative, the community can come together to create meaningful change and build a safer future.

For more information and to get involved, follow the campaign:

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