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The Knife Angel

Southend-on-Sea is extremely proud to be welcoming in July and hosting for the first time, a touring national monument against violence and aggression.

The Knife Angel is an incredible 27ft, 3.5 tonne sculpture that uses its sheer size, scale, and distinctive materials to send a message of hope and change.

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.

Originating from the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, and created in 2018 by sculptor Alfie Bradley, The Knife Angel has been on tour of towns and cities around Britain educating and raising awareness of the issues of knife crime and all forms of violence and aggression. It took two years to construct.

Where can I see The Knife Angel?

The Knife Angel will be temporarily located at the top of the city high street within the Victoria Plaza area, from Monday 1st July until Sunday 28th July, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to witness the sculpture up close and the powerful message it sends.

Whist symbolising a call for change, The Knife Angel also acts as a memorial for victims of knife crime and their loved ones.

Visitors will be able to view The Knife Angel as close as it is safely possible to do so. Organisers ask that all visitors please respect the monument and observe the surrounding fencing. The Knife Angel will be monitored by security, including 24/7 CCTV. During the month there will also be a general weapons amnesty, with the support of Essex Police, in the form of a surrender secure bin which travels with The Knife Angel.

National Youth Anti-Violence - Educational Programme

Community Safety partners are preparing a full education programme as part of The Knife Angel’s visit. The FREE, education and learning programme of anti-violence, youth engagement and public awareness workshops will include school visits, in-school workshops, music, creative interpretation workshops, including painting, craft, photography, and poetry, as well as first aid demonstrations and training. Specific dates and times of all activities will be added to this page in the coming weeks.

A unique aspect of Southend’s hosting is the spotlight on positive recreational activities available for children and young people across the city, with clubs offering a host of demonstrations and taster sessions throughout the month.

How can you get involved?

We will be recruiting and training volunteer educators to be at the statue during core times, to interact with visitors, hand out information, answer questions and signposting to key services.

Organisers are keen for as many residents, charities and businesses as possible to get involved during July as part of the innovative programme of activity. Any business, group or individual interested in volunteering and donating time, providing sponsorship, or in-kind support, can find out more by emailing: knifeangelsouthend@southend.gov.uk

Volunteering

Around 24 ‘Angels’ are required to cover a total of four shifts per day, (minimum of three volunteers per shift) which are two to two and a half hours long. Shifts are offered between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturdays, throughout July.  

Volunteers can do one or two shifts or as many as they would like – volunteers need to be 16 years and over. All volunteers will be supported by organisers and community safety professionals during every shift and fully briefed before the first shift.
To express and interest in being part of the ‘Angels’ volunteers, please email knifeangelsouthend@southend.gov.uk

@BritishIronwork @SouthendCC @VisitSouthend

#KnifeAngelSouthend #Southend #AngelofChange

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