Delivered by: St Giles Trust

This session explores why some young people carry weapons, moving beyond simplistic explanations of criminality, bravado or poor choices. It will examine the role of fear, reputation, retaliation, peer pressure, trauma, humiliation and the perceived need for protection.

The session will support practitioners to have more effective conversations with young people about weapon carrying, understand the emotional and social pressures behind the behaviour, and consider how prevention work can respond to the need for safety, status and belonging without reinforcing shame or fear.