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The “RESPECT” conference takes place on Saturday June 7th at Castle Green.

It comes after the government’s announcement that it plans to spend £3 million to help tackle the issue of knife crime, and aims to get kids, mums, dads and grandparents talking.

The conference will also drive home a message put forward by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair: that parents need to tackle their children on the dangers of knives in the same way they would deal with drugs or alcohol.

The event will be led by community leader Reverend Nims Obunge from the Peace Alliance, and is being supported by the police.

It’s hoped the activities will provide a talking point, and help each generation understood more about how antisocial behaviour affects the other.

For example in one session, young and old people will vote electronically on a range of police and council measures designed to reduce crime.

There'll also be a Big Brother-style diary room, where people can leave video messages with their thoughts on knife crime.

Councillor Val Rush, who’s responsible for community safety, said that “knife crime poses a serious threat to the lives of our children and the stability of our communities, and I hope that events like this can make a real difference."

“I believe strongly that older people can do their bit in finding out from young people what’s going on and what the council and police and do to help,

Perhaps then we can get a hold on the issues affecting young people in our borough and put a stop to the dangerous culture of knives.”

If you'd like to book a place call the council on 020 8227 2457.