Young people from Rathbone Manchester are about to get a handle on knife crime.

Trainees such as Iqra Khalid (17) and Vicki Collar (18) will be hitting the streets of their home city and asking people how big they think the problem is and what effect it is having on life, there.

Iqra Khalid and Vicki Collar.

The results of the questionnaire (which was designed by the young people themselves) will help inform seminars on the subject – set for the spring. These sessions will be attended by organisations such as the police and council and could be broadcast on radio.

The survey is one of many activities organised as part of the No Knives, More Lives programme. The Home Office funded scheme is currently visiting Manchester high schools and mentoring young people identified as being “attracted to carrying a weapon”. Maxine Looby, Manager of No Knives, More Lives said: “The aim is to make youngsters aware of the effects of knife crime and offer them more positive things to do than go wandering the streets armed with a blade.”

Both Iqra and Vicki are aware of knife crime in their communities. “I stick my head down and keep myself to myself” said Vicki, “but I have seen arguments where someone’s pulled a knife.”

Would-be hairdresser Vicki and trainee child carer Iqra have enjoyed taking part in the more artistic sides of the project. The duo were inspired by a recent visit to Manchester City Art Gallery and have since used their creative talents to paint pictures warning of the consequences of knife crime.