Youth violence has spiked throughout London, and particularly in Newham. The Newham Civil Society Youth Commission grew out of conversations with headteachers across the borough, who voiced concerns around safety. They all faced the same challenge: that they could keep the young people safe inside the walls of their school they were worried about what they could do beyond this to keep young people safe.

Newham had the highest murder rate of all London boroughs. In total, 2018 saw the most homicides in London for a decade, most of them stabbings.Young, black and minority ethnic men are disproportionately affected by knife crime.In Newham, violent crime against person grew by 10.49% in the year up to April 2018, one of the highest increases in London.

The report highlights some specific priorities:

• Reduce school exclusions
• Make public spaces and public transport safer for young people in NewhaM
• Make available better information for young people and their families about seeking support, engaging in positive activities, and how to access help in the event of a serious incident
• More support for children who experience a difficult start in life.