Children in Birmingham as young as seven will soon receive a crucial education on the dangers of knife crime and gang involvement, in an effort to provide support earlier than ever before.
Augustus Stewart, a former gang member and armed robber who was once a victim of stabbing, will lead a workshop on Friday, December 12, at St Boniface Church in Quinton. Now 47, Stewart has transformed his life and dedicates himself to helping youth avoid the path he once took.
“I believe showing young people the harsh realities of that lifestyle can save lives,” Stewart says. As part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Precious Lives initiative and the My Tomorrow campaign, his workshops aim to deliver a raw and impactful message about the consequences of crime.
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The talk will conclude a ten-week boxing course targeted at children from some of Birmingham’s most deprived neighborhoods. This program was designed not only to improve mental and physical wellbeing but also to empower children to resist peer pressure.
Having served a 12-year sentence for aggravated burglary after his arrest at 17, and surviving a stabbing attack, Stewart speaks with unparalleled authenticity. Over the years, he has reached tens of thousands of schoolchildren, inspiring many to surrender knives and abandon violent revenge plans.
One poignant example came when a young man, grieving the murder of his cousin and determined to seek revenge, attended one of Stewart’s sessions. Hearing Stewart’s story of survival and change inspired him to stop carrying a knife and focus on education instead.
Keith Tucker, director of the Birmingham Community Boxing Project, highlights the importance of early intervention. “We must mentor children before peer pressure leads them astray. Combining boxing with life skills and awareness workshops gives kids a positive outlet and guidance,” he notes.
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, praises mentors like Stewart for their unique ability to connect with youth. “The Precious Lives program, supported by Augustus’s testimony, leaves a lasting impact, equipping young people with confidence, discipline, and respect alongside boxing skills.”
This initiative represents a powerful step toward reducing knife crime and gang culture by reaching children at an age when support and education can make the greatest difference.