People and communities
Community unites for faith walk to reflect on violence and knife crime
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The Walsall community came together to take part in a faith walk and reflect on violence and knife crime on Thursday 14 December 2023.
Members of all faiths and none joined together to make their way from Primark in Walsall town centre to the Knife Angel, a powerful symbol of the destructive nature of knife crime, which will be situated outside the New Art Gallery until Thursday 28 December.
Since its unveiling in Walsall town centre, the imposing sculpture, comprised of 100,000 knives, has evoked reflection and conversation around the devastating impact of knife crime.
The faith walk, organised by Black Country Innovate and The James Brindley Foundation, saw people from all backgrounds in attendance, including The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, Councillor Garry Perry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resilient Communities and Mark Brindley, a trustee at The James Brindley Foundation.
“ Bringing the Knife Angel to Walsall was the right thing to do, because what we wanted it to do was evoke a community conversation, and I believe it has done that.
I think at the end of December when we wave goodbye to the Knife Angel, there will be a legacy left behind by the Knife Angel because its presence has helped bring that conversation to the fore.
If the Knife Angel changes the behaviour of one person, or more importantly saves the life of one person, then we have done our job. “
Following the walk, a two-minute silence was held before powerful speeches were given outside of the New Art Gallery by local faith leaders Ricky Otto and Mustaqeem Shah.
This was followed with a thought-provoking performance by local student and rapper Marcus Vanes, which encouraged young people to put down the knife.
“ The Knife Angel reminds us we are the lucky ones, we are lucky to be alive and have the opportunity to make a difference because tragically, we are here after so many have already lost their lives to knife crime.
My message is a simple one, directed to high-profile individuals who have power and influence in society, please lend us your hand, lend us your influence, to win the hearts and minds of our young.
We need people to be that positive role model that is so desperately needed to bring about positive change. “
A book of reflection has also been set up for residents to express thoughts on the Knife Angel and share perspectives on the significance of its presence in the community https://go.walsall.gov.uk/knife-angel.
The sculpture will remain in Gallery Square, outside the New Art Gallery, until Thursday 28 December 2023.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
The Knife Angel sculpture has been brought to the town through a partnership with the James Brindley Foundation, Walsall Council, West Midlands Police and British Ironwork Centre in association with sponsors Amey, Willenhall Lock Stock, CEF, ABA Cranes, Tarmac, Bescot Promotions, Transport for West Midlands, Midland Machinery (Heavy Lift) Ltd and The New Art Gallery Walsall.
Community sponsors include One Palfrey Big Local, Blue Coat CE Academy Walsall, Walsall Arena & Arts Centre, We Are Walsall 2040, Walsall College, Saddlers Shopping Centre, iMatter Walsall CIC, Ormiston Shelfield Community Academy and Walsall Police and Schools Panel.
The Knife Angel
The Knife Angel originates from the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and was crafted by sculptor and artist, Alfie Bradley. The Knife Angel has been on tour around the UK and has become recognised as a National Monument Against Violence and Aggression. Host towns and cities have actively engaged in the “National Anti-violence Champions” campaign, with young people and children – to increase awareness and encourage them to reject violent and aggressive behaviour in its many forms.
Further information about the Knife Angel can be found at:
https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/show-areas/the-knife-angel-official
About knife crime
Knife crime destroys lives and tears communities apart. We all have a part to play in tackling this issue. Parents, carers, teachers and professionals can look out for the signs that a young person may be carrying a knife.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or secretive
- Spending more time away from home or with new friends
- Having unexplained money or possessions
- Being protective and secretive with their bag or clothing
- Having cuts or bruises on their hands
If you are concerned about a young person, talk to them about it. Let them know that you care and that you want to help before it’s too late – before they either get hurt or do something that they end up regretting. You can also contact your local police or a youth support organisation for advice and support.
About the Life or Knife campaign
Life or Knife is a campaign led by West Midlands Police.
It follows a number of stabbings in the West Midlands region where young people have lost their lives or been handed a life sentence for carrying a knife.
The campaign is not about telling young people what is right or wrong, but about showcasing the realities of knife crime, the significant impact it can have, and the importance of choices.
West Midlands Police is playing its part in tackling knife crime through operational activity aimed at reducing the number of knives on the streets and educational inputs in schools. However, the police cannot do it alone. Communities and parents play a vital role in tackling knife crime, and the Life or Knife website provides guidance and help to anyone who can support the campaign.
The James Brindley Foundation is actively supporting the Life or Knife campaign. We believe that parents and carers can provide the most significant contribution to reducing knife crime and saving lives.
For more information about the Life or Knife campaign, visit: https://lifeorknife.west-midlands.police.uk
The James Brindley Foundation
The James Brindley Foundation is a registered charity, set up following the murder of James Brindley in 2017 as he walked home alone, chatting to his girlfriend on the phone.
The Foundation works with key agencies, primarily within education and social services settings, focusing on tackling the ‘root causes’ of serious youth violence, through the delivery of its accredited, evidence based “Full Circle” programme.
The Foundation has adopted a twin track approach to programme delivery, through its ‘external facilitator’ training courses for professionals and directly with referred children and young people, through its ‘one to one’ mentoring services, using ‘lived experience’ mentors.
The ‘Full Circle’ programme is used as a prevention tool for those identified as ‘at risk’ and as an intervention, for those who are already offending. It provides professionals with measured outcomes and in-depth understanding of a participant's prognosis for positive change. Participants develop understanding of their behaviours and associated consequences, as well as problem solving and decision-making skills, that will contribute to a positive social lifestyle. https://jamesbrindleyfoundation.co.uk
