Chippenham parent helping support young people after teen tragedy
Laura Graham-May is helping support teens after the death of Shayne Hambakachere on Monday
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
A Chippenham parent is helping support young people in the aftermath of a fatal stabbing on Saturday afternoon.
16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere died on Monday, with his dad saying in an emotional tribute on Tuesday, that he will miss his son's carefree laugh.
15-year-old boy has been charged with murder, while police presence in the town remains increased.
People can leave tributes outside Hardenhuish School, where Shayne was a student.
Support for young people
Following the tragedy, Laura Graham May, Artistic Director of Rag and Bone Arts, moved to ensure support was available for young people.
Laura and her team partnered with local venue The Ruze to offer a space for teenagers, particularly those from local schools, to gather, process their emotions, and find comfort in the wake of the event that has shocked the entire community.
"My son came home from school, which had closed following the incident, and I just couldn’t shake off the feeling that these young people must be so confused and struggling," Laura said. "As adults, we’re finding this hard to process, so I can only imagine how it feels for teenagers."
Working quickly, she reached out to venues across the town, eventually connecting with the team at The Ruze, who immediately offered their space to help.
"It was done on the hoof—we just knew we had to be there for them," she said. "The aim was to let young people know there are people who support them, who care about them, and who want to help."
Resonating with families
As a parent herself, Laura reflected on how the tragedy has affected parents across Chippenham.
"If it can happen in a town like this, to a boy of that age, then it can happen to anyone. It’s the worst tragedy you can imagine as a parent," she said. "That’s why it resonates so deeply with all of us."
She shared her heartfelt thoughts for the family, friends, and all those grieving, while recognising the strength and compassion within the Chippenham community.
"My heart goes out to everyone who knew him and supported him, and, of course, to the family," she said. "Chippenham is a strong community, and even those who aren’t directly connected to the school or the boy feel deeply shaken and want to help."
Looking ahead, Laura hopes the momentum created by the tragedy will lead to improvements in the opportunities and support available to young people locally.
"There are loads of people who care about the teenagers in this town and want to help. We hope this will be the start of long-term, positive changes for them."
Anyone in Chippenham affected by the recent incident is encouraged to seek support, whether from friends, family, local services, or the wider community.
Council working with school
Wiltshire Council says it's playing its part in ensuring people are provided the help they need to process this tragedy.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Jon Hubbard, extended the council's thoughts and sympathies to Shayne's family and friends.
He said: "This is an unimaginable loss, and we know the impact will be felt widely across the school and the local community.
"We are working closely with the school to provide whatever support they need, ensuring pupils, staff, and families have access to emotional and practical help as they process this tragedy."
He added that the authority is working alongside the Police during their investigation.
Cllr Hubbard said: "Our priority is to stand alongside the community with care, compassion, and reassurance in the days and weeks ahead.”