THE GRANDMOTHER of a fatal stab victim has joined forces with local organisations to launch a knife crime awareness campaign.

Cameron Hamilton, 18, was stabbed in Bournemouth Square last summer following an altercation on a night out.

The Knife Crime Awareness campaign, supported by Cameron’s grandmother Tracy Jose, aims to highlight the importance of awareness and education around knife crime.

The campaign will also look to empower parents and young people to have proactive conversations to reduce the risks of knives.

Despite Dorset being one of the safest places to live with one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, Cameron’s death as well as the death of 21-year-old Tom Roberts has prompted change.

Tracy has joined forces with BCP Council as part of the wider SaferBCP partnership through this multi-agency initiative.

She said the campaign seeks to empower young people with the knowledge to make informed choices, by educating them on the dangers of knives and providing resources for parents, carers, schools and the community.

“The impacts of knife crime are very real as my family has sadly experienced first-hand, so a campaign such as this that gets young people engaging and talking about knife crime is so important for everyone,” said Tracy.

“As Cameron’s grandmother, I would ask everyone to think twice before deciding to carry a knife which can have serious consequences for them, and potentially devastate other families like ours.  

“Please don’t carry a knife – if there had not been one present on the 5th of August, Cam would still be alive and here with us today, and that’s what young people need to realise.  

“This is why I wanted to inspire a campaign such as this and started the organisation ‘Changes Are Made’ in honour of Cam, and I hope it can make a difference in the fight against knife crime.”

A launch event will take place from 2pm to 5pm on May 4 and 5 in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens.

Young people can get involved in a live graffiti art installation, football, first aid demonstrations, a boxing demo, and a drum and a bass fitness session.

A variety of events will also be held across the coming weeks, with further details being found on the SaferBCP Partnership website under ‘Knife Crime Awareness’.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services, said the campaign is targeting 14- to 20-year-olds to break the link between juvenile crime and adult offending.

Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said some people believe they are safer carrying a knife but that it only puts them in danger.