'Bored kids with nothing to do turning to knives'

The reality of life for many young people drawn into knife crime is being revealed by our Deep Cuts campaign. Stephanie Balloo investigates...

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CHILDREN across the West Midlands are carrying knives because they're bored, struggle to understand the consequences and are heavily influenced by gang culture, a youth worker said.

They have “nothing to do” and are quick to follow their peers, said Jaydon, a youth worker at Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS).

The nonprofit youth club in Walsall encourages children to pursue boxing, exercise in the gym there or record music in the studio, helping to steer loitering kids on the right path.

The Birmingham Mail visited the youth club which some youths describe as ‘family’.

Jaydon, aged 20, became a youth worker after he was recommended by a friend to try out boxing at the MLSS club.