Brent is expanding its emergency response network during Knife Crime Awareness Week, running from 18 to 24 May 2026. The initiative introduces new medical equipment and hands-on training designed to empower bystanders to intervene effectively during critical incidents involving severe bleeding.
New bleed kit locations in Harlesden and Church Road
Two additional bleed kits have been permanently installed at Roundwood School and Community Centre in Harlesden and the Unity Centre on Church Road. These kits are designed to be used by members of the public in local community settings in the vital minutes before emergency services arrive. They contain specialized first aid equipment, such as trauma dressings and tourniquets, specifically curated to control catastrophic hemorrhaging.
These new additions join an established network of life-saving equipment across the borough. Existing kits are already accessible at high-footfall locations including the Neasden Subway, Boxpark Wembley, and Kilburn Bridge. By increasing the density of these kits, local authorities aim to ensure that life-saving tools are never more than a few minutes away in an emergency.
Free emergency response workshops for residents
To ensure the equipment is used effectively, Brent is hosting three free training sessions. These workshops are open to all residents and provide practical experience in handling high-pressure medical situations. Participants will learn the correct protocol for calling 999, how to apply pressure to wounds, and the specific mechanics of using a bleed kit.
All sessions include food for attendees and require pre-booking via EventBrite. The schedule for the workshops is as follows:
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kilburn: 78 Granville Road, NW6 5RA | Tuesday 19 May | 1pm – 4pm |
| Neasden: Crest Academy, NW2 7SN | Tuesday 19 May | 5.30pm – 8pm |
| Wembley: Brent Civic Centre (1st Floor), HA9 0FJ | Wednesday 20 May | 5.30pm – 8pm |
Kibibi Octave, Director of Community Development, noted that while knife crime has a devastating impact on families, the community can take practical steps toward prevention and safety. The goal of these sessions is to provide residents with the confidence to act rather than remain a bystander during a crisis.
Youth engagement and professional training sessions
Beyond immediate medical response, the week includes a focus on long-term prevention through the “Trauma to Triumph” event. Held at Boxpark Wembley on Friday 22 May from 2pm to 8pm, this session is tailored specifically for young people. It provides a platform for connecting with local partners, sharing lived experiences, and discussing the social factors that lead to violence.
For those working in education, social care, or community outreach, a dedicated online training session will take place on Thursday 21 May from 10am to 12pm. Led by community safety partners, this professional briefing offers expert insight into the current landscape of serious youth violence in Brent and provides tools for those supporting vulnerable young people.
These initiatives reflect a multi-agency approach to community safety, combining physical equipment with education and youth outreach to address both the symptoms and causes of knife crime in the borough.
Source: Brent Council
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