Bury business owner launches anti-knife crime scheme

Immi Younis, from Tottington, set up the "Knives Down Gloves Up" scheme last month in an effort to support those aged from 11 to 18 in Bury who may be vulnerable to committing crime.

The 46-year-old, who was a football coach for more than 10 years, grew up in Bury and experienced his own share of misdemeanours as a teen before becoming a “decent member of society".

Immi said: “I’ve always been involved in helping the community and right now, we are seeing an increase in knife crime and shootings unfortunately.

“I want to support these kids and keep them on the right path, to keep them focused and in the gym.”

Immi is encouraging young adults to put their energy into boxing classes, offering incentives such as days out, tickets to Manchester City football matches and hiking weekends away.

Immi, left, has been involved in the community for years (Image: supplied) READ NEXT: 'How embarrassing': Bakery responds after error on new sign

He does the work on a voluntary basis alongside his full-time job as a business owner and says that he had parents “reaching out to him for help” after previous efforts to engage with youth mentors were unsuccessful.

Immi added: “Some of the kids just need role models who can expose them to the possibility of a different type of lifestyle.  

“I work closely with the parents, police and schools, setting goals to help improve things like overall behaviour and attendance.”

He has provided six spaces initially, with a view to adding more in the new year due to “overwhelming” demand, and there is already a waiting list for the six-month scheme.

The free weekly sessions take place on Friday evenings at Bury Defence Academy (BDA), a martial arts studio on Lord Street.  

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An anonymous sponsor from Bury has also offered up to £10,000 to help one successful participant set up a business or go on to further education.

Immi added: “I want to lead by example. They know my history and they can talk to me.

“It’s all about early intervention. I’ve been there and they can relate to me. I also help them with things like diet plans and training.”

“I see some really good kids with good hearts who are doing good deeds and want to get on the right path.

"They just need somewhere to go and something to focus on.”

It is not all about boxing either.

Immi carries out short lessons at the sessions, opening up conversations around cyberbullying, the wider impact of crime on their communities and general life advice, all in a safe space.

Immi added: “We have an in-house boxing competition planned and they all get six months of free membership to come to BDA and train as much as they want to.

“I built it all around respect. They have to respect their home, community and school and want to become good citizens.

“Life is not about the streets and something like this can be life-changing for them. I feel like this a true calling for me and I wish I’d have done it sooner.”