Lives Not Knives

At FSB Insurance Service, we are deeply committed to making a tangible impact in our community, especially in addressing urgent social issues such as youth violence. This year, we are focusing our efforts on supporting Lives Not Knives (LNK), a vital charity dedicated to preventing youth violence in London.

The Vision: Our shared vision is to foster a safer, more empowered generation of young people who can thrive without the threat of violence or crime. By partnering with LNK, we aim to provide crucial financial support that will enhance their impactful programmes and contribute to a safer community for all.

The Need: The recent tragic stabbing of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon which occurred within sight of our office space has underscored the urgent need for effective intervention and support for at-risk youth. Croydon has seen a disturbing rise in knife crime, with the number of such incidents in the area increasing by 12% over the past year. This escalation highlights the critical importance of proactive measures to address youth violence.

Lives Not Knives (LNK) plays a crucial role in this context. With their extensive track record of successfully engaging over 10,000 young people each year through mentoring, educational roadshows, and support programmes, including financial mentorship, they are a beacon of hope in our community. Their approach offering tailored mentorship and advice to young people aged 9 to 21 addresses the complex root causes of youth violence and provides a path toward positive change.

How We Will Use the Funds: The funds raised through this initiative will be allocated directly to LNK’s core activities, including:

Engage: Engage was established to ensure young people play an active role in their own self-development and growth out of the school environment. Engage consists of two approaches, our youth hub supports drop in’s after school, and our school’s holiday programme, ensures young people on free school meals, have a ‘holiday. Both encourage young people to try new hobbies, learn skills, further their opportunities, and community involvement. 

Financial Wellbeing: Engage is self development, equipping young people with the tools to control their own physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. This is done by having open conversations about funds, transparency around funds.

As well as this Engage helps alleviate financial stress on parents during the holidays, preventing families from living in a constant state of fight or flight. The program  eases their burden, allowing them to focus on stability and overall well-being. 

Our Commitment: By supporting Lives Not Knives, FSB Insurance Service is not only addressing the immediate needs of those affected by youth violence but also investing in a long-term solution to a complex issue. We believe that by empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools and support, we can work together towards a safer future for Croydon and beyond.