Knife crime mural unveiled in Haverhill

The vibrant artwork at the Chalkstone Community Centre was inspired by teenagers affected by violence.

The newly replaced hoarding around The Vixen Pub has been transformed as part of an early intervention and prevention project, designed to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. 

The project, which took place over a series of workshops and drop-in sessions in August and September 2023, supported young people aged 13–18 who could be at risk of criminality.

It allowed them to explore their feelings and responses to issues surrounding knife crime and violence, anti-social behaviour and how its consequences can affect individuals, families and the wider community.

Professional artist Joel Millerchip interpreted the key messages taken from the sessions to create a fun and uplifting design based around the concept of community, communication and conversations.

See the full mural here:

Artist Joel Millerchip:

"While creating the mural I had a steady stream of residents stop to chat to me.

"The overwhelming response was that they loved the wall and since completion we’ve had a lot of love on social media too".

Sara Marsh from Haverhill Town Council said that the mural was commissioned to bring something positive to Haverhill after a recent knife crime incident. 

The Chalkstone Community Centre street art project was made possible with funds from Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Fund.