From left, Kelly Munro-Fawcett, Alison Lowe OBE, Mechelle Lewis and Lee Berry

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Emotional launch of West Yorkshire consultation sees Alfie Lewis’s family lead call for change after tragedy

The family of murdered schoolboy Alfie Lewis have united with public and community leaders in a heartfelt mission to address the rising tide of serious violence across West Yorkshire.

On Wednesday 23 July, Alfie’s aunt, Mechelle Lewis, stood alongside Alison Lowe OBE, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, at the Shine community space in Harehills to launch the first of several public consultation events.

Alfie, 15, was fatally stabbed in Horsforth on 7 November 2023, a tragedy that devastated his family and shocked the local community.

Now, Mechelle and others are turning grief into action.

‘We Stand Here in Determination’

Speaking directly to a packed room of residents, campaigners, youth workers and public sector representatives, Mechelle issued a powerful call to action: “Alfie was a beautiful boy. He would light up a room, always dancing, or singing, or rapping.

“He’d just started on his journey through life when he was tragically taken from us. But we can’t allow his life to have been taken in vain.

“We stand here not just in grief, but in determination. Alfie’s life was stolen, but his story must spark change.

“We are supporting this serious violence consultation, and are working alongside The Mayor and community, united with a voice and with conviction to make a change.”

Mechelle Lewis, the Aunt of murdered school boy Alfie Lewis, at the community event this week in Harehills

A Creative Legacy That Educates and Inspires

In honour of Alfie’s life, the event also introduced ‘Alfie: Forever 15’, a trauma-informed, creative project developed in partnership with Leeds-based Redbobble Arts.

Backed by West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the initiative will feature immersive performance, film, and music co-created by Alfie’s peers.

The aim: to engage students, share Alfie’s story, and highlight the devastating impact of knife crime.

Leaders Back Families and Communities in Co-Creating a Safer Future

The event marked the beginning of a major regional strategy to tackle serious violence, with voices from across the region coming together in shared purpose.

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, praised the event’s energy and urgency: “Tackling serious violence is one of our highest priorities.

“This event was both brilliant and deeply moving. It gave us the chance to bring partners and the public together as we work towards real and lasting change.

“This consultation is about listening to the people and communities most affected. Every voice matters.

“I urge everyone to get involved — whether online or in person at future events — and help us build a safer, brighter West Yorkshire.”

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy of Policing and Crime for West Yorkshire Combined Authority

‘Tragedy Must Lead to Change’

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry, Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, echoed the urgency of the work ahead:

“Hearing Alfie’s story brought home exactly why this work is so important. Tragedy must lead to change.

“The value of this consultation lies in hearing directly from our communities – their voices, their experiences, and their ideas.

“We can then shape a strategy to make sure we are addressing the issues identified by our communities, to stem that tide of serious violence.”

Building a Broader Movement

The day brought together professionals and community members from across the region, including representatives from charities, schools, women’s organisations, and youth services.

Angela Everson, Chief Executive of WomenCentre, described the event as a turning point: “What I take from today is hope. Hope that we’re finally addressing serious violence in its fullest sense – from knife crime to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

“Alfie’s story reminded us that real stories move people to act.

“Mayor Tracy Brabin reaffirmed her commitment to ending serious violence and called on residents to join the movement.

“We’re not building a strategy that’s done to communities, but with them. This is your chance to be heard, to lead, and to protect future generations.”

Delegates at the co-production networking event

How to Get Involved

This public consultation will continue with a series of community events across West Yorkshire, and an online survey is open until Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

To take part in the survey and find out about upcoming events: Search “Your Voice West Yorkshire” and follow the conversation online using #TellTracy