Held at the Council Headquarters in Hamilton, the Creating Safer Communities conference brought together representatives from social work, education, housing, Police Scotland, community justice, youth services, the NHS and voluntary organisations to share best practice and strengthen collaborative approaches.

Delegates heard from leading organisations in violence prevention and youth justice, including Community Justice Scotland, the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice, the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, Fearless Scotland at Crimestoppers, Police Scotland, and the University of the West of Scotland.

The event also featured a powerful performance from The Street, a youth theatre project giving an authentic voice to young people’s experiences.

Council Leader, Councillor Joe Fagan, said: “Knife crime is a challenge that affects lives and communities across Scotland.

“South Lanarkshire Council is committed to working with partners to take a preventative, evidence-based approach that keeps our young people safe and builds stronger, more resilient communities.”

Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer for Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire, added: “There is a growing body of evidence that highlights the positive impact that progressive youth justice initiatives and other preventative measures can have within our society.

“This event was an important step in a longer journey – a process that will continue through ongoing engagement with communities, partners and stakeholders to turn shared learning into sustained action.

“My thanks to everyone who attended, those working tirelessly on these issues, and our communities for their continued support.”