"On May 1, 2024, I called upon a diverse group of friends—from DJs to actors, ex-offenders to criminal lawyers—to join forces at the AP Foundation Hub in Hackney, London. Together, we formed the campaign group “Who’s Next?” This gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter in our collective effort to end the cycle of violence plaguing our city. As someone deeply invested in the well-being of London’s youth, I believe it is our collective responsibility to tackle this problem head-on." - Andrew Pritchard | Founder

A New Chapter in the Fight Against Violence

The "Who’s Next?" campaign is built on a comprehensive 7-step action plan designed to tackle the root causes of knife crime. Our mission is to provide young people with the support and opportunities they need to choose a different path. Reflecting on the past year, the need for this campaign has become even more evident. We cannot sit back and watch as the same tragedies unfold—the same lives lost, the same communities torn apart. The question "Who’s next?" resonates deeply: Who’s next to be stabbed? Who’s next to be killed? Who’s next to receive a life sentence? This was my call to action for everyone who cares about the future of our city.

The statistics are chilling. In 2023, the Metropolitan Police reported a 20% increase in knife crime offenses—a stark reminder that this problem is worsening. With nearly 30% of all knife crime in England and Wales occurring within the Met’s jurisdiction, the scale of the issue in London is undeniable. But behind these numbers are real lives—young people whose potential is extinguished by death or incarceration. The ripple effects of these tragedies extend far beyond the immediate victims, leaving families broken, communities paralyzed by fear, and a growing mistrust in authorities.text in italic

Community-Driven Solutions: Our Collective Responsibility

This isn’t just a problem for the police or politicians to solve; it’s a problem for all of us. The solution must come from within our communities, informed by the experiences of those directly affected by knife crime. This includes businesses, charities, families who have suffered the tragedy of losing a child, and former gang members who are now dedicated to preventing others from making the same mistakes they did. Everyone has a role to play in this mission.

It’s easy to point fingers and blame others for the failures that have led us here, but blame alone does nothing to solve the problem. What we need now is action—action informed by a deep understanding of the factors driving young people toward violence.

The “Who’s Next?” campaign is our response to this challenge. It is a multi-phase initiative designed to tackle knife crime through a comprehensive, community-focused approach that prioritises education, engagement, and prevention. Over the next 12 to 18 months, we plan to implement a series of initiatives that will not only address the immediate issue but also lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable change.

Listening to Those Affected: The First Step

The first step in this journey is to listen. We must engage with those most affected by knife crime—victims, families, educators, youth workers, and members of the criminal justice system. Their stories, insights, and experiences will form the foundation of a comprehensive research piece that will do more than just present statistics. It will tell the real story of knife crime in London and offer evidence-based solutions that can be implemented at the community level.

This research will serve as a critical tool for our campaign, providing a clear direction for local councils and the government. By drawing on the lived experiences of those on the front lines, we can shift the narrative from one of despair to one of hope and action.

Building Strategic Partnerships for Lasting Change

But research alone is not enough. To create real change, we need to work together. That’s why we have been working tirelessly to establish strategic partnerships across various sectors, from legal and criminal justice to education and community outreach. These partnerships are crucial to our success, providing us with the expertise, resources, and reach necessary to implement meaningful change.

Our partners include MK Law, who are helping us understand the legal landscape, and Fabio D’Andrea, who is using visual media to amplify our message. On the ground, organizations like Faz Amnesty CIC, DBA Projects, One Chance, Youth Unity, and Factory East Community Project are working directly with young people to provide the support and opportunities they need to choose a path away from violence.

Creating an Environment for Lasting Change

Addressing the root causes of knife crime requires more than just a police response; it demands a coordinated, holistic approach that improves socio-economic conditions, offers better educational and employment opportunities, and supports families and communities. This is the core of our campaign—creating an environment where young people have the confidence, support, and opportunities they need to thrive outside of gang culture.

We cannot afford to wait any longer. The time to act is now. Through the “Who’s Next?” campaign and all of its partners, we are committed to leading this charge. Over the next 6 to 12 months, we will present a proposal to the government on processing certain types of knives, support Faz Amnesty in securing funding for a knife collection van, and produce an anti-knife crime short film to be shown in schools and cinemas. We have formed strategic alliances with TRO Marking, Urban Arts Entertainment Group, and dozens of internationally recognized DJs along with their affiliated brands. Within 18 to 36 months, we aim to introduce VR experiences to anti-knife and gang awareness talks in schools, open an Activity Hub, and launch an annual music, culture, and arts festival to promote peace and unity.

Join Us in the Fight for London’s Future

Through education, community engagement, support systems, and advocacy, we can change mindsets and reduce the prevalence of knife crime, paving the way for a brighter, violence-free future. This is not just a campaign; it’s a movement—a call to action for everyone who cares about the future of our city. By working together, we can make a difference. The time to act is now, and we urge you to join us in this vital effort to end knife crime in London.

The fight against youth knife crime in London has reached a critical juncture, one that demands collective action from all corners of society. As the founder of the AP Foundation, I have witnessed first-hand the devastation wrought by this epidemic—lives cut short, families shattered, and communities left in fear. Over the past 12 months, London has become a tragic map of young people lost to knife and gun crime, and the urgency to act has never been more pressing.

The AP Foundation is not just another charity; it is a peer-led mentoring organization with a clear mission: to reduce offending by supporting at-risk young people and ex-offenders. We believe that with the right support, training, and employment opportunities, we can transform the lives and behavior of hundreds of misguided young people. By doing so, we can also reduce crime in our communities and offer hope to those who feel trapped in a cycle of violence.

With the support of Ambassadors, leading figures and partners, together we can use our influence to raise awareness about the “Who’s Next?” campaign and inspire others to join our cause. For many young people, celebrities and public figures are their heroes. They look up to them as role models, and in a world where the alternative is often the toxic influence of postcode gangs, together we can literally save lives.