Agenda 2026

Knife crime is often framed as a policing issue - but what if housing, health and community services hold the real solutions? The Blunt Truth is a powerful, honest conversation led by Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Association (MSV) and partners working on the frontline of serious youth violence in South Manchester. With Greater Manchester now ranked 4th nationally for knife crime and over 1,100 under-18 victims in 2024 alone, this session explores why prevention - not punishment - must be at the heart of our response. Drawing on the Blunt Truth multi-agency initiative across Moss Side, Hulme and Rusholme, speakers will share hard data, lived experience and practical interventions that are already diverting young people away from violence. From knife amnesties to trauma-informed housing support and youth-led activism, the session challenges the sector to rethink its role in tackling serious violence. This session will discuss how housing providers, councils, police and community organisations can work together to address root causes, build trust and save lives.