Charlie’s Promise at the Youth Opportunity Summit

Martin and Tara were honoured to attend the Youth Opportunity Summit at St James’s Palace, representing Charlie’s Promise alongside other inspiring organisations, campaigners, and families working tirelessly to prevent knife crime and protect young lives.

The summit — convened by His Majesty King Charles — brought together national leaders and frontline campaigners including the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, Idris Elba, and members of the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime.

It was a powerful gathering that highlighted the collective determination to address the root causes of knife crime and serious youth violence — from lack of opportunity and youth support, to the need for positive role models and safe spaces. Stories shared by families and campaigners deeply affected by violence reminded everyone why this work is so vital.

We were proud to stand alongside organisations such as the Ben Kinsella Trust, Faz Amnesty, and Pooja Kanda, mother of Ronan Kanda, as we each continue to push for meaningful, lasting change.

At Charlie’s Promise, we believe wholeheartedly that our greatest tool in the fight against knife crime is education — and that this education must begin early, at primary school level. This view was shared by everyone in the room, reinforcing the importance of starting conversations and building understanding long before negative influences take hold.

Charlie’s Promise works tirelessly every day to educate and empower young people, helping them to make safer choices and understand the life-changing consequences of knife crime. We remain committed to ensuring that no other family experiences the pain of losing a child to knife crime. Together, we will keep raising awareness, creating opportunities, and giving young people somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to listen.