Shamayal

Shamayal Yakoob is 18 and what is referred to as ‘NEET’ – not in education, employment or training. Shamayal carried a knife when he was younger and had begun anti-social behaviour.

One of his friends was stabbed and was taken into intensive care, which prompted Shamayal to change his life. He became involved with Changemakers, and led a project which highlighted the dangers of knife and gun crime.

He put on an event around this topic and had 250 people turn up (a slight shock, as he was expecting 100). From this, he is now travelling the country talking to young people (with Brooke Kinsella) about his story and the dangers of carrying weapons. The project he leads is now being sponsored by Crimestoppers.