A KINGSWOOD mum’s powerful contribution to a national documentary is helping shine new light on the urgent need to prevent youth violence in South Gloucestershire and beyond.
Hayley Ryall took part in a recent episode of the Crime+Investigation UK series to talk about the death of her son, 16‑year‑old Mikey Roynon, who was killed in a knife attack in 2023. The programme, House Party Killer, explores the tragic events that led to Mikey sustaining a fatal stab wound at a house party. The programme aired in January and is available on Sky and Prime Video.
In the aftermath of her loss, Hayley founded Mikey’s World, a charity dedicated to preventing teenage violence and supporting young people and parents across South Gloucestershire. Taking part in the documentary was both painful and purposeful for Hayley: “I wanted to raise awareness around knife crime and that it can happen to anyone. There was no reason for Mikey to lose his life that day. In a split second, the choice to take a weapon to the party ruined so many lives and ended my boy’s.”
Hayley was approached by the production team months before filming began. Although revisiting events was emotionally difficult, she felt strongly that sharing Mikey’s story could help stop other families experiencing the same heartbreak.
“It helps me tell the world how I feel. I find it hard to talk to people I know because I don’t want them to hurt. But talking about Mikey helps — I love talking about him — and it raises awareness of knife crime,” Hayley explains.
While the documentary has given the charity vital national visibility, Mikey’s World is also expanding its local impact through a pioneering new project that uses virtual‑reality (VR) headsets to help families recognise the dangers of grooming, exploitation, coercion and knife crime.
Funded by donations from Mewburn Ellis, the charity purchased ten VR headsets and is now offering free workshops for parents and young people. Sessions take place at New Cheltenham Community Centre, with support from React Building Supplies Ltd, which covers the venue’s rent.
“The headset means you are fully immersed, seeing situations through the eyes of a young person,” Hayley explains. “The programmes encourage real discussion around prevention, and we share support options if parents are worried.”
The initiative has already drawn strong interest from schools and youth organisations. Mikey’s World is now working with Pathways Learning Centre in Downend — where Mikey once studied — as well as Knowle DGE Academy and Creative Youth Network, supporting young people across South Gloucestershire and beyond.
“The aim is prevention of young lives being lost,” says Hayley. “We’re fortunate to have a company sponsoring us for two years, which means we can keep these sessions going.”
Hayley is also due to complete her Level 2 Youth Work qualification in March, enabling the charity to expand its support and outreach even further.
With the visibility of the documentary and the introduction of innovative tools such as VR, Mikey’s World continues to grow in its mission: to save young lives, educate communities and honour Mikey’s memory with positive action.
Find out more at mikeysworld.co.uk
by Gianina Turner