A Nottingham man whose friend was killed in a knife attack is using the devastating experience to warn others that carrying a blade does not protect you – it only increases the risk of danger.
Adam was 16 when, having already been involved in gangs and selling drugs earlier on in his teenage years, he received a call that would change his life forever.
One of his closest friends had been killed in a knife attack, which sent Adam’s mental wellbeing on a downward spiral and left him questioning why?
Described as the toughest period of his life, Adam was at a crossroads and things got so bad he even attempted to take his own life shortly after.
At rock bottom, he found a way back with the turning point coming when he found the courage to testify in court against those responsible for what happened to his friend.
Now 21, he has been to college and has gone on to secure his place at university studying social work, in a bid to help others in the position he once found himself in.
He has also found peace in his home life too, having held down a long-term relationship as well as having his trusty German Shepherd by his side every step of the way.
Speaking as part of Sceptre, a national week-long campaign aimed at raising awareness of knife crime, Adam is keen to make a difference in his friend’s memory.
Sceptre provides a snapshot of the valuable year-round work undertaken across Nottinghamshire by police, partners including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, and the local community, on tackling the issue of knife crime.
Throughout this week of action, partners aim to shine a light on a range of proactive policing and public engagement work being undertaken - with a focus on educating people, especially young people, about the consequences of carrying a knife.
Adam said: “I got involved with the wrong crowd when I was in Year 8 at school and didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.
“Things progressed to carrying a knife and introduced me to different people who ended up playing a big factor in my life. I didn’t think I would get out of that situation.
“That was until one night when I got the call to say my friend had been stabbed and hadn’t made it, just hours after I’d spoken to him.
“That was the turning point for me. It sent me into a rapid decline and I got to a point where I tried to take my own life.
“But from somewhere, with the help of others, I wanted to make something of myself and with the help of the people around me I’ve made a better life for myself.
“The goal now is to help and educate others. Nobody should see what I’ve seen and I want people to know that carrying a knife is wrong.”
During his experience, Adam received help from the Youth Outreach Team at Nottinghamshire Police, before joining the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Violence Reduction Partnership as a Community Ambassador as well as being invited onto the National Youth Advisory Board.
The Violence Reduction Partnership, a Home Office funded multi-agency partnership, is responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of activity across the city and county to reduce and prevent serious violence using a public health approach. The VRP team is a function of the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, who has made tackling knife crime one of his priorities for his term in office, said: “Adam’s inspiring story shows that it is never too late to turn your life around and choose a better path for yourself.
“He has used the heartbreak of losing his friend and turned it into motivation to make something of himself, and the fact he will now help the next generation stay safe on the streets is great to hear.
“Young people considering carrying a knife should listen to Adam’s story and be aware of the consequences it may have.
“I must emphasise the fact that carrying a knife does not protect you, it only increases the level of danger for you and those around you.”
Listen to Adam's story.
For more information about Sceptre, visit: Operation Sceptre: Nottinghamshire Police
#NottsAgainstKnives
Posted on Thursday 16th May 2024