Co-op and MK Deputy Mayor back The Childish! Anti-knife crime campaign

No1 ITunes Family band Brings Powerful Anti-Knife Crime message to Netherfield Co-op MK.

Shoppers and residents of one of Milton Keynes oldest estates were treated to a memorable and inspiring live performance this weekend by family music group The Childish who visited the Co-op in Netherfield to raise awareness for their Anti-Knife Crime campaign. The talented youngsters, who are gaining national attention with their Top 40 anti-violence single ‘This Has To Stop’, delivered an energetic and thought-provoking show for children and shoppers; their visit formed part of the group’s wider mission to educate young people and families about the devastating consequences of knife crime and to encourage safer communities across the UK.

Shoppers at the local center were thoroughly entertained as The Childish performed crowd favorite ‘This Has To Stop’ — a particularly strong and emotional song, written with a young man in prison called Nathan, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding youth and knife crime in Milton Keynes and the impact it is having on local families and the wider community. The lively performance had shoppers cheering, with singing, audience participation, back flips with an engaging introduction by MK Deputy Mayor Cllr Keith McLean, making the event both educational and hugely enjoyable.

Anna Cheshunt - Co-op Community service's said "The Co-op is all about serving the local community with help and support for anything the local residents/shoppers are worried about, and when they told us about what this local awe-inspiring family were doing, we just had to have them perform at Netherfield, and with it's success we're going to work with other Co-op stores to hammer the bands message home!" Store Manager praised the group for delivering such an important message in a way that young children could understand and relate to. The Co-op, which is well known for supporting community-based educational and welfare initiatives, also used the occasion to raise money in support of the campaign.

The Childish aim to fund the purchase and installation of life-saving bleed control cabinets and kits across the city — emergency bleed control equipment designed to help save lives in the critical minutes following serious injury.

The Childish’s campaign in association with Luton Based 'Wingman Mentors' is currently being supported through an online GoFundMe appeal, with all proceeds going towards expanding access to these vital kits in knife crime hotspots and community spaces.

Anyone wishing to support this important cause can donate via The Childish GoFundMe Campaign and can also support the band by downloading their music, including ‘This Has To Stop’, on Spotify.

As knife crime continues to be an enormous issue for towns and cities nationwide, events like this show how young voices can play a major role in spreading awareness, promoting education and a vital initiative in helping to save lives!