This webinar “Blades and Wounded Minds: exploring the links between youth mental health and knife crime” examines the complex relationship between youth mental health issues—particularly trauma and anxiety—and the rise in knife crime among young people.
Knife crime remains a significant issue in England and Wales, with a notable proportion of offenders aged 10-17. The fear of being attacked can lead to avoidance behaviours and social withdrawal, worsening mental health. Living in violent environments increases the risk of trauma and normalises knife carrying. Added to this, barriers to mental health support emphasize the importance of understanding the context of young people’s lives and tailoring interventions accordingly.
We will be looking the very latest research including use of virtual reality with support social problem solving, expert by experience perspectives, and building on these to offer practical tips for clinicians.
In summary, the webinar advocates for a holistic, trauma-informed approach to tackling knife crime, integrating mental health support with broader social and policing strategies to address both the symptoms and root causes of youth violence.
Booking
Sign up at this link or on the Book Now button at the top of the screen, and complete the form that follows. You’ll then receive an email confirmation and a link to the webinar, plus we’ll send you a calendar reminder nearer the time. Delegates will have exclusive access to recordings for 90 days after the event, together with slides. Plus you will get a personalised CPD certificate via email.
- ACAMH Members MUST login to book onto the webinar in order to access this webinar and get a CPD certificate
- Non-members this is a great time to join ACAMH, take a look at what we have to offer, and make the saving on these sessions
EARLY BIRD £5 for ACAMH Members (Print, Online, Concession) Join now and save (£10 from 31/07/25)
EARLY BIRD £10 ACAMH Learn Account holders (£20 from 31/07/25)
EARLY BIRD £10 Non Members (£20 from 31/07/25)
£5 ACAMH Undergraduate/Postgraduate Members
Who should attend
This event, aimed at clinicians and those working in education, will explore knife crime in adolescents and its links to mental health. An update on the current status of youth knife crime will be provided in addition to novel interventions, a lived experience perspective and tips for clinicians.
Programme
12:30 Introduction from the chair
12:35 Dorcas Gwata: Overview of Youth Knife Crime in the UK
13:20 Mark Scanlon: The use of Virtual Reality with Young People to Support Social Problem Solving
14:05 Break
14:15 Martin Sullivan: Expert by Experience Perspective
15:15 Mindy Reeves: Practical Tips for Clinicians
15:45 Panel Discussion
16:30 Close
About the speakers
Dorcas Gwata – Nurse, Global Mental Health Specialist and RSTMH Policy Adviser
Dorcas Gwata is a Global Health Specialist working with young people and families affected by gang culture in London, a project that extrapolates research lessons from low income countries to high income countries, she has worked on the Zimbabwean Friendship Bench Project and she has extensive experience working in East Africa and Asia. Her ability to live in and for different cultural realities allows Dorcas to import new innovative knowledge also in the UK were mental and physical health issues display similar challenges such as economic constraints and vulnerable population, with focus on gender violence, mental health and trauma.
She is an experienced Global Mental Health Specialist working across Sub-Sahara Africa with special interest in Gender Violence, Substance Misuse, Common Mental Health Disorders, Non Communicable Diseases, Migration, Cross Cultural Psychiatry and Youth Health. Dorcas is also a visiting Lecturer at LSHTM and Kings College London. Dorcas studied the MSc in Public Health at LSHTM
Dorcas is a Mental Health Advisor at Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) and The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSHTM) she has recently been awarded with the International Human Rights Award by the University of Surrey. Dorcas is the co-founder of the Global Health Café, the first African-led platform focusing on global health issues with particular focus on Africa, she mentors young graduates, she is passionate about supporting more women of colour in leadership
Dorcas is interested in the merger between mental health and art, she supports local artists in Zimbabwe and the UK. Dorcas is a keen adventure and business traveller, she provides cultural consultation to businesses and individuals travelling to Africa. She practises yoga regularly and has an insatiable love for Africa
Mark Scanlon
Martin Sullivan
Mindy Reeves
Booking
Sign up at this link or on the Book Now button at the top of the screen, and complete the form that follows. You’ll then receive an email confirmation and a link to the webinar, plus we’ll send you a calendar reminder nearer the time. Delegates will have exclusive access to recordings for 90 days after the event, together with slides. Plus you will get a personalised CPD certificate via email.
- ACAMH Members MUST login to book onto the webinar in order to access this webinar and get a CPD certificate
- Non-members this is a great time to join ACAMH, take a look at what we have to offer, and make the saving on these sessions
EARLY BIRD £5 for ACAMH Members (Print, Online, Concession) Join now and save (£10 from 31/07/25)
EARLY BIRD £10 ACAMH Learn Account holders (£20 from 31/07/25)
EARLY BIRD £10 Non Members (£20 from 31/07/25)
£5 ACAMH Undergraduate/Postgraduate Members