People and communities
Knife Angel comes to Walsall this December
Published on
A sculpture raising awareness of the impact of knife crime arrives in Walsall this December.
The ‘Knife Angel’ a powerful symbol of the impact of knife crime in our communities, arrives in Gallery Square in Walsall from Friday 1 to Thursday 28 December 2023.
Standing 27ft tall and weighing 3.5 tons, it is comprised of 100,000 blunted knives received from 43 police forces across the UK. It took two years to create and has toured UK towns and cities since November 2018. Designed to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of carrying knives, the sculpture aims to start meaningful conversations and prompt collective action to combat this issue.
“ The increase in knife related crime is an issue that is impacting all parts of the UK. Following recent visits to Lichfield, Nuneaton, Colchester and Bolton, the Knife Angel is coming to Walsall and brings a critical issue into the public eye, reminding us of those affected by the tragic consequences of knife crime. By showcasing this thought-provoking sculpture, our hope is that we can provoke discussion, signpost to support and empower all of our communities to choose life. The consequences of knife crime are all too real.
“Sometimes in Walsall, crime and the perception of crime can impact on the quality of life of residents. The council is committed to the safety and strength of our local communities, celebrating the positives, and tackling challenges head on. “
“ The Knife Angel is like an accessible social influencer, providing every member of our community, with an opportunity to engage and understand the complex issues surrounding serious youth violence. We must grasp this moment, to raise awareness and to educate those who remain indifferent to the consequences of knife crime. “
“ It is hard to under-estimate how impactful the Knife Angel is and I would urge people to take the opportunity to visit this powerful sculpture when it arrives in Walsall.
“It is especially powerful when you remind yourself that each and every one of the hundreds of knives which make up the sculpture comes from an incident of knife-related crime somewhere in the country. I hope that, for the time that it is in Walsall borough, it provokes thought, discussion and positive change.
“Knives are everywhere in our society - in our homes, our classrooms, and with friends on the streets. We need to have meaningful conversations about #LifeorKnife. There have already been too many senseless deaths. “
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 Avison Young, Amey, Willenhall Lock Stock, ABA Cranes, Tarmac, Bescot Promotions, Transport for West Midlands, Midland Machinery (Heavy Lift) Ltd and The New Art Gallery Walsall.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
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 participants 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
