MK Dons and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust have been recognised for their part in Milton Keynes' month of action against violent crime.
In December, Milton Keynes hosted the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression (Knife Angel) at Stadium MK. The Knife Angel coming to the City of Milton Keynes brought a month of action as the community stood together against violence of all forms.
Planned events took place throughout December across the city and include as many partners leaving a legacy for the city of Milton Keynes.
During the month of December, staff from MK Dons SET provided workshops, engaged with stadium visitors, and worked alongside MK City Council, Thames Valley Police and other community organisations.
The project has been recognised by the EFL with the 'Community Project of the Season award,' which includes the most innovative and impactful projects across the EFL, with one winner selected from each of the three divisions.
The Milton Keynes project reached over 45,000 individuals and saw 293 knives being surrendered in Milton Keynes during a one-month period.
Stoke City were the Championship winners for their ‘Keep Stoke Smiling’ project – an oral health initiative which has reached 11,000 children in 74 local primary schools.
In League Two, Doncaster Rovers were honoured for their pioneering pre and post-natal scheme, Fit Families - the first of its kind in the EFL and a scheme providing much needed support to families facing high levels of deprivation.
The achievements of the shortlisted Clubs and players will be marked during an event hosted in Parliament on 17th April, with one overall winner for each category to be revealed at the star-studded EFL Awards in London on 23rd April.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “Our Clubs and their Club Community Organisations play an integral role in their communities, responding to the ever-changing needs of local people at an unprecedented scale.
“Last season alone, our Clubs and CCOs engaged over 840,000 people and generated more than £101m for community investment. It’s an honour and privilege to celebrate this outstanding work in Parliament.”
A total of 10,000 people were engaged, ultimately raising awareness and knowledge of how to keep safe and the impact of knife crime on communities.
Following the month of action, MK Dons SET have since worked with Pink Punters and Jason Fathers to develop and install ‘Serious Bleed Kits’ across Milton Keynes.
READ MORE: Local businesses support community bid to increase bleed kits and training in Milton Keynes
Having already raised £2,000 to install 50 kits across Milton Keynes, the target is to provide as many bleed kits to make the communities of our city safer and to best prepare for events of ‘serious bleeds’.
