Anti Knife Crime Campaigner Hits Out: “The Only Way You Get Mental Health Support Is When You’re Arrested — Then It’s Too Late”

Anti-knife crime campaigner Courtney Barrett has delivered a powerful message following the horrific stabbing in Huntingdon last weekend – warning that years of cuts and social decline have created the perfect storm for violence.

Courtney, who has spent years uniting bereaved families and working tirelessly to stop knife crime, spoke candidly to The Havering Daily about why he isn’t surprised an attack like this has happened.

“When we grew up there were numerous mental health facilities and hospitals to support those who needed help. We all knew they were there and they did the job of supporting those who need help. Of course, the cuts came and they shut down and we all knew people who needed help would be lost and here we are today. No, I’m not surprised an attack like this has happened, I predicted it years ago when the cuts came. I said many years ago that mental health issues would rise.”

Courtney says society’s lack of compassion is fuelling the crisis.

“Look at how things are now, how bad our society is, the lack of care and compassion towards people. You only get mental health support now when you are arrested. If you try and get help before, you are either ignored or join a long queue of years. No one cares. So when do you actually get mental health support – when it’s too late and you have been arrested.”

Known for his straight-talking approach, Courtney doesn’t mince his words when it comes to the lack of deterrents for carrying knives.

“Look at the deterrent for carrying a knife? There isn’t one. These people in authority are failing our country. Look at London – people laugh and call it ‘stab-a-thon city’. What happens in London emanates across the country and here we are with now the first mass stabbing on a train.”

As a Black man who has experienced the sharp end of policing, Courtney still believes stop and search can work — if it’s done right.

“Yes it works and yes we need all the tools we can get to stop knife crime, but it needs to be done properly. A group of officers all cornering in on one male in a pack and being overbearing is not the right way to do it. Doing it calmly and explaining the reason why works. We all understand the pressures officers are under, but use this tool yes, but the right way.”

When asked what he would do first to stop knife crime, Courtney’s answer is direct.

“It’s easy, change the minimum sentences. 8–10 years if you are caught carrying a knife. 20 years if you use it and 30 years if you murder someone. We need to stop messing around. Our justice system needs overhauling, our judges are out of date and do not know what is going on our streets.”

Courtney says Britain needs urgent reform — from sentencing laws to mental health support — before more lives are lost.

“Many changes need to be made to tackle knife crime, from changes in the justice system to accessing mental health support – but will any of this actually happen?”

Courtney’s frustration is clear. He’s not just speaking for himself — he’s speaking for every family torn apart by knife crime, and for every young life that could still be saved.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.