'Banning knives won't solve knife crime - we need urgent action for young people' A former victim of gang grooming is demanding urgent action to help young people, after a spate of fatal stabbings across the country.
Sosa Henkoma insisted a knife ban won't solve knife crime, and "it's about creating opportunities for young people rather than sitting down and shutting them down”.
Sosa’s journey into advocacy is truly personal, from the age of 11 years old he was groomed into a life of crime and gang culture and by 12 he was ‘gifted’ a gun and a bulletproof vest for his birthday, at the time he sought help however due to the lack of understanding of grooming and exploitation by social services, his cries for help were ignored.
Sosa hopes that with efforts from himself and other initiatives, there is hope to create a better future and constantly reminds children "Your past doesn’t define who you are - it builds the strength you need to create your future, there is always a way out.
Reflecting on his experience of gang grooming and abandonment, Sosa told the Mirror: “If a young person does not feel safe in their environment, they’re going to walk with knives.
