East Kilbride knife crime campaign steps up bid for change with city centre march
Anti-knife crime campaigners will join parents of tragic Scots teens in a march through Glasgow this Sunday as they call for urgent action on the country's knife crime and youth violence epidemic.
In honour of Kayden Moy, Kory McCrimmon and Amen Teklay, parents, families, and concerned residents from across Glasgow and the west will march from Rangers' Ibrox Stadium, through the city centre to Celtic Park this Sunday at 1pm.
The 'Parents Against Knives' event is a show of solidarity and a heartfelt plea for safer streets with a clear message 'Enough is enough'.
Supported by East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch & Community Impact Project (EKCA), the aim is to bring about better opportunities for young people, and stronger support for families.
Following the tragic death of Kayden Moy at Irvine Beach last month, EKCA has called on South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to urgently address the rise in knife crime and youth violence in East Kilbride.
The shocking tragedy has prompted local charities and community groups to help educate young people and urge open conversations with teens about crime.
A petition was launched calling for calling for a local task force on knife crime prevention in the town, early intervention and education in schools and youth clubs, mentoring and mental health support for vulnerable young people and more visible and engaged neighbourhood policing.
It has reached over 1400 signatures and gained backing from elected officials and local organisations.
EKCA say they are willing to chair this task force and publish a report on how to address this epidemic as an impartial community-led group, to help bring together and prevent any more loss of life or injury.
The group's Operation Knife Edge campaign poster can be seen displayed around the town urging community support.
EK Boxing Academy has also launched 'Knives Down Gloves Up' sessions in a bid to tackle youth violence locally.
KJ Yates, chief executive and chairman of The Community Impact Project/East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch, said: "This issue transcends postcode boundaries. It's vital the whole of Glasgow stands united against the knife crime epidemic.
"We must offer young people real opportunities, targeted support, and treat this crisis as a public health emergency that demands collective action.
"We often hear the phrase 'it takes a village' – and at EK Neighbourhood Watch & The Community Impact Project, we believe that wholeheartedly. That's why we've been actively engaging with politicians, youth services, charities and elected officials. Progress may be slow, but we remain hopeful.
"We also pause to mourn the tragic loss of Kayden Moy, whose funeral takes place this week. His family remains firmly in our thoughts and prayers.
"We encourage everyone to sign, support, and share our petition – and please verify your signature, as that's the only way it is counted so we can build enough pressure on elected officials to act. No more young lives should be harmed or lost.'
Sixteen-year-old Kayden Moy died in hospital following an incident at Irvine Beach in Ayrshire on May 17.
Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have appeared in court charged with the murder of Kayden.
Scotland's justice secretary Angela Constance has pledged an additional £6m to tackle youth violence after the latest summit.
The cash will come next year as part of the Scottish Government's Cashback for Communities Fund.
Search for 'Time To End Knife Crime & Support The Youth Of East Kilbride' on change.org
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