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PRINCE OF TIDES ‘WESTLEY ODGER’ FOUNDATION (KnifeCrimes.Org)

Charity Registration No. 1160438

RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER, 2024

Board of Trustees' Report

Introduction from Ann Oakes-Odger MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees

It is my pleasure to present our Trustees’ Annual Report which details the Charity’s background achievements, future plans and vision. This Report, is a testament to the memory of a special son who had his life prematurely cut short by unprovoked violence.

The Foundation was established in 2006 and was set up off the back of Prince of Tides, a small Charity formed in 2003 to support bereaved families. Following the tragic murder of my son Westley Odger on the 12[th] September, 2005 the Charity was expanded to specialise in the field of traumatic bereavement through murder and manslaughter. Advocating and promoting knife crime prevention education, as well as victim support, through which we aim to reduce isolation, empower people to have a voice illustrating a future that is viable, following a homicide. During August September/October 2023, I worked with Colchester City Council to bring the Knife Angel to Colchester to educate school children through Westley’s Weapons Awareness Programme delivering the message of making the right choices away from crime.

Despite limited funding I’m very proud of the work and achievements of the volunteers that have assisted the Charity and helped us to make the family peer support successful. Peer support helps grieving families to cope with the trauma following the shock news that a precious child or family members’ life has been stolen through violence and assists in navigating the investigation and subsequent court process. The Parole process is also covered for those further along the offender prison system.

The Trustees and I are delighted to present our Report together with the Financial Statements of the Charity for the year ended 31[st] December, 2024.

In my son Westley’s memory, a legacy has been forged to push forward the important issue of youth crime prevention through education, professional training, advocacy and victim support, including research and raising public awareness to achieve better rights for victims within the Criminal Justice System.

Ann Oakes-Odger MBE Chair

Board of Trustees' Report

Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31[st] December, 2024

The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and Financial Statement of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements.

Objectives & Activities:

The advancement of education of children and young people, for the benefit of the public and organisations, of the implications of becoming involved in crime and related issues through ‘ Westley’s Weapons Awareness’ Programme.

The promotion for the benefit of the public of any charitable purpose directed to alleviating those who have lost through death resulting from Murder, Manslaughter, or unlawful killing (hereinafter referred to as Homicide) of their relative or friend and in particular to promote and protect good health both mental and physical, relieve poverty and sickness and to advance education in matters relating to the nature of grieving, bereavement and mental trauma.
To promote and support research into the cause and effects on Society of serious and violent crime and homicide and to disseminate the results of such research for the benefit of the Public.
The Association will work collaboratively with other organisations to develop networking and with other groups with similar aims.

Public Benefit:

When planning activities for the year, the Trustees considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the Charity’s activities met the principles laid out in accordance with that guidance.

Why the organisation was set up:

KnifeCrimes.Org was established in 2006 and was set up off the back of Prince of Tides which was a small charity formed to support bereaved families and those with addiction issues. KnifeCrimes.Org was founded by Ann Oakes-Odger following the Murder of her Son, Westley Odger on the 12[th] September, 2005. She researched the need for specialist support for Knife Crime Victims’ families, and found many of the families grieving the loss of their children who were teenagers or younger victims of fatal stabbings. Ann also obtained Statistics for the previous 9 years that showed 2,026 Homicides through Knife Crime as opposed to 601 Homicides through Gun Crime. Fatalities are 4 times more likely through Knife Crime.

The sudden death through Homicide of a Young Child or Teenager is particularly traumatic for parents, as well as siblings, grandparents and the School friends of the Victim and it is this aspect that forms the basis of our work and the need for ‘Peer Support’ for families.

The Support the Organisation provides:

Having lived through the traumatic experience herself, she is best placed to support the families who do not know where to turn. Ann was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2011 for Services to the Prevention of Knife Crime.

Ann continues to hone her skills and professional development to enhance her knowledge base to facilitate volunteer training as well as providing peer support and guidance families need most. KnifeCrimes.Org provides a full range of services, some of which are as follows:

Bereavement information...listening
Providing a ‘Victim Led’ organisational management structure
Support with emotional experiences affecting ability to function normally and carry out daily routines
Understanding the Impact and Effects of Trauma in Murder Victims’ families

The area in which we work:

KnifeCrimes.Org is a local Essex based Charity with National and International reach. Collaborating closely with Essex Police, throughout Essex we also reach out to those who have been affected by violence Nationwide. We also, support families through our online information resource in Australia, Canada and across Europe.

Our services are sourced by bereaved victims’ families on a daily basis by in excess of 900 member families. These consist of parents, siblings, extended family members and friends of murder victims.

The need for the services of KnifeCrimes.Org is supported by the number of people accessing the Online Resource: www.KnifeCrimes.Org

The issue of ‘Knife Crime’ was first highlighted following the fatal stabbing of Westley Odger in 2005 and reported in the first Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry in March 2007. Then again reported in the Select Committee Inquiry in 2008/9 when more than 70 youngsters died at the hands of gangs in Britain that year and in London alone 29 young people were stabbed to death. More than 170 gangs, with members as young as 10 years of age were identified by police in London…these gangs are currently still problematic to police and communities. Many so-called ‘gangs’ have loose affiliations of friends from the same area intent on controlling a 'turf' or territory, often defined by a post code. The penalty for straying into the wrong area is to be robbed, beaten or stabbed. Many teenagers now routinely carry a knife out of fear, in order to defend themselves if attacked. Their own knife turned on them to result in serious or fatal consequences.

Our service is here to be supportive non-judgemental and informative, so that families who are left behind not knowing where to turn can access support.

Our Values:

Confidentiality…if people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings
• Listening…exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and options open to them
Empowering…we believe that people have the right to find their own ‘new normal’ by providing peer support and the safety net of assistance from peer mentors
Non-judgemental…we want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection to limit isolation

Our Vision:

To work closely with families bereaved through Murder & Manslaughter or are affected by serious violent crime
Reduce the feelings of distress and crisis following a homicide that can lead to suicide
Influence Government and other agencies to improve rights and support for victims
Locally, regionally and nationally over 900 Homicide Victims’ Families have benefited directly from the support services.

Review of Activities and Performance:

During this financial year the association provided emotional and practical support for people affected by serious violent crime. We have actively provided peer support to a range of families traumatised by homicide.

Financial Reserves : We currently hold a reserve of £1,000 which is set aside in a designated fund

Patron:

Sir Bob Russell - High Steward of Colchester