The Knife Angel
We had the pleasure of working with colleagues yesterday as a team of community volunteers for the Southend Community Safety Partnership, speaking to members of the public about The Knife Angel sculpture currently standing in a prominent position at the top of the High Street by WHSmith.
Created as an illustrative symbol against violence - particularly serious violence, including knife and weapon crime against children and young people or committed by them, The Knife Angel is made from 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons, including blunted flick knives, and kitchen knives, received from 43 Police Forces across the UK.
Hundreds of people stopped to take photos of The Knife Angel; some stood in quiet thought, many were visibly moved by the experience of seeing the imposing sculpture up close. Visitors were given the opportunity to tie a white ribbon to the metal railings surrounding the structure – either as a thought or prayer for someone they know who’s been affected by knife and weapon crime, or as a simple message of peace.
We had several interesting and poignant conversations with strangers. Whilst there were a few inevitable negative comments, the vast majority of people appreciated the benefits of raising awareness of what has become such a key national issue, especially for younger people and their families.
South Essex Homes’ staff will again be working as Community Volunteers at the sculpture next Thursday morning (11th July).
For more details about The Knife Angel, please visit: Knife Angel – Southend Community Safety Partnership (southendcsp.org.uk)