Purpose

Let’s Be Blunt is a CIC, established and run by Leanne Lucas, who was the dance teacher present when Axel Rudakubana stabbed and killed three children and injured 10 other people including Leanne, at a dance party in Southport on 29 July 2024. Leanne will support the VRU in Policy around knife replacement schemes (swapping pointed knifes out for round edged knifes) and also support the VRU with school engagement and CPD for teachers to educate and support schools in swapping out knifes in canteens and cooking / catering education settings. Leanne will also attend other CPD events as requested by VRU. This initial phase will be for 12 months after which output and impact will be assessed with a view to a further commission. (We already have engagement in Wigan and Trafford expected within 4 weeks- intention to roll out across GM over next 6 months).

The campaign is fully supported by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor with round table events planned in June 2026.

Decision

The VRU wishes to award £22,000 to engage Leanne Lucas- the founder of ‘Let’s be blunt’ campaign with school engagement and education policy development.