A hospital is to host an event to help to reduce knife crime for both young people and their parents.

The Save our Children event, on Saturday, July 20, will take place at Queens Hospital, Romford, and will help parents what to look out for when their child could be being groomed by gangs, and youngsters will learn about the long-term impact of knife crime and how to stay safe.

There will be workshops for both parents and young people aged from ten to 16. Police, youth and sports clubs will take part.

The event is being run in partnership with the St Giles Trust, which helps disadvantaged people find employment and contribute to society.

Speakers will include surgeon Martin Griffiths, the NHS’s new clinical director for violence reduction.

The event is organised by Michael Magbagbeola, from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust’s People and Organisational Development team.

Alongside his day job, Michael also runs his own charity, Save the King, which supports disadvantaged people, including the homeless and those at risk of imprisonment due to lack of opportunities

He said: "We all know that knife crime is becoming an epidemic among young people and there have been some horrific events taking place right on our doorstep.

"At a time when the NHS is getting more involved in tackling this issue, it was much too good an opportunity to pass up to get Martin to come to our hospital, along with the St Giles Trust, to speak directly to young people and their parents about the impact of knife crime, and how we can beat it together.”

The event is free and will run from 1pm to 4pm. Places can be booked at www.eventbrite.com/e/save-our-children-tickets-64259761677.